The BBC has updated its commissioning guidelines with HD very much at the forefront. All programmes must be delivered to the BBC in HD by April 2011 with only a maximum 25% SD allowed. 5.1 has not been locked into the new spec.
The Corporation advises that SD will be considered, but adds a sting to the tail, saying “in some cases we will advise that we do not consider that HD delivery will necessarily enhance the programme significantly for audiences, and therefore a particular project is not a priority for us.”
5.1 is not considered a pre-requisite, with sound requirements being confirmed on a case by case basis and the Corporation working on what it calls “wraparound sound alternatives.”
There is also an approved cameras list which is as follows:
Panasonic AJ-HPX3700, 2700, 3000 & 2100
Panasonic ‘Varicam’ HDC27F & H
Panasonic AJ-HDX900
Sony HDW F900R & 900
Sony HDW 790, 750 & 730
Sony CineAlta F35
Arri D21 & Alexa
Panavision Genesis
Thompson Viper
For use by Independent productions only:
Cannon XF 300E & 305E
Red One
Sony PDW 800 & 700
Mini cameras:
Iconix HD-RH1
Panasonic HCK10 / HMR10
Toshiba IK-HR1S
Toshiba IK-HD1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/network/genres/hd.shtml
