ESPNews Launches in HD

ESPN rolled out its third HD channel today, as ESPNews HD debuted. Following in the footsteps of its brothers, ESPN and ESPN2, the new high-definition version sports a new set, better picture, and an increase in the amount of information for viewers.

The problem though, is that most viewers will not see everything ESPNews has to offer, at least not at this time. While the channel has carriage agreements with Comcast, Time Warner, and satellite TV provider DIRECTV, none of the outlets are carrying ESPNews HD at the outset.

Some viewers were able to see the HD version Sunday, but only if they tuned into ESPN HD or ESPN2 HD. The networks ran simulcasts of ESPN News HD to celebrate the launch of the HD version. ESPN is hoping to reach 20 million subscribers by year-end for the HD version, according to Broadcast & Cable.

ESPNews currently reaches 63 million subscribers, and is a popular medium to catch up on the latest scores and statistics via the “Bottom Line Feed.” The HD version expands the information to the top and left of the screen, allowing more stats to be displayed. Fantasy sports league players should benefit from the increased real estate dedicated to displaying up to the minute stats.

The larger sports desk dominates the set, with space for up to five commentators. Gone as well is the red and orange color scheme from the previous set. Blue is the dominant color of the new set, as well as the scoreboard.

While they are already the self-proclaimed leader in sports, ESPN is not resting on their laurels. And whether fans claim to love or hate the ESPN family, they continue to tune in to the networks. The ESPNews HD expansion shows this player looks to continue to dominate the sports landscape.