Telemundo becomes 1st Spanish-language Network to broadcast nationally in HD.

Telemundo announced that the network will have the capability to broadcast in high definition (HD) across the nation beginning April 2009. Telemundo is the first Spanish-language network to offer HD content both at the local and network levels. The first Spanish-language broadcast will be the 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 23, 2009, after which Telemundo will expand its HD broadcast offerings to a selection of its prime time novelas, sports broadcasts and specials.

“Telemundo has been a leader in producing original content in the U.S. and once again is raising the bar in Spanish-language television,” said Don Browne, President, Telemundo. “The quality of our original content together with the talent and expertise of our engineers allow us to provide a unique TV experience. This exceptional quality will clearly differentiate ourselves to our viewers, distributors and advertising clients.”

Telemundo will be the first Spanish-language network to broadcast an entire full-length novela in HD with the premiere of “Mas Sabe El Diablo.” Novela “Doña Barbara,” and select sports broadcasts will also be broadcast in HD. The network is planning to broadcast 100% of its prime time programming in HD in addition to movies it acquires and other specials.

According to a study conducted in December 2008 by Telemundo’s Pulse Research Panel, over three-fourths of respondents expressed that they are early adopters of new technology. Almost half of the panel members own a widescreen HD television. In light of this research, it is of utmost importance to Telemundo to be where its viewers want to be ˆ in HD.

Telemundo is addressing a significant gap which exists in the Spanish-language marketplace with regard to providing HD content to viewers. The improved broadcast quality of HD programming enables Telemundo to deliver high-level entertainment content to its viewers.

Producing content in HD and having the ability to broadcast in HD gives Telemundo a new competitive advantage when working with advertisers and marketers. Advertisers will be able to see their ads air in HD on the network, and the format will enrich the network’s storytelling capabilities. All Telemundo content produced in HD will be automatically ready for multiplatform use and distribution.

“By introducing HD content to Telemundo’s audience, we are committing ourselves to deliver the same quality content that the English-language networks provide, while setting the standards for top notch production value in our industry,” said Derek Bond, Senior Executive Vice President, Telemundo Studios, Production and Broadcast Operations. “Our team of engineers has worked tirelessly to build the distribution platform to make HD broadcast a reality for Telemundo. Our efforts are producing the quality that Spanish-language audiences deserve.”

Nine of the network’s owned and operated stations will pass the network HD signal. HD content will initially be available in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston and Puerto Rico. The remaining Owned and Operated stations will be delivering HD programming over the next 12 months.