The BBC plans to use the '12 London Games "to debut a new broadcasting technology, Super Hi Vision, that delivers picture quality 16 times better than high-definition television," according to Mark Sweney of the GUARDIAN. The BBC intends to "erect custom-built 50ft-high screens at three locations around the UK to allow the public to catch a glimpse of the future of television, although consumers will have to wait until at least 2022 before TV sets will be available on the high street." BBC Dir of London 2012 Roger Mosey said, "Super Hi Vision might be a better long-term prospect than 3D in some ways as it gives you the feel of being in the stadium. People are knocked out by it." The BBC is "likely to broadcast" next July's Opening Ceremony using the technology, which "has already been tested with sports such as basketball and 'big stadium events.'" Mosey would not disclose the cost of the screens, "which are being custom built for the Olympics, but added that its Japanese broadcast partner, NHK, has 'led on the investment.'" He added that the BBC is "aiming to deliver some 3D programming for the Olympics" as well (GUARDIAN.co.uk, 8/28). Still, Mosey cautioned that the "first 3D Olympics would not amount to a '24/7 service' during the Games." He said, "It is fair to say there is a trade-off between 3D and HD. We don't want to damage the mass audience that watches HD with (too much) 3D, which is viewed by a minority" (GUARDIAN, 8/29).
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Mimi Turner reported the BBC "will provide comprehensive coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games next year for the first time in its history, using internet channels to provide total coverage of all 24 competition events in addition to carrying major sport coverage and highlights on its main channels." As recently as the '08 Beijing Games, the BBC "had only been able to provide coverage of around 75 percent of the events via its interactive operations" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 8/28). BBC Future Media GM of News & Knowledge Phil Fearnley said, "At Beijing we had six red-button live streams. For London 2012, our viewers for the first time will be able to watch sports like fencing, judo and wrestling when they happen and wherever they happen to be" (VARIETY.com, 8/28). In London, Ian Burrell reports the online coverage of next summer's Games "will be available via the red button and connected television services and through the BBC website, with live commentary for the great majority of sports" (London INDEPENDENT, 8/29).
