TBS To Bring New Definition to Comedy with TBS in HD

High-Def Service Slated To Launch Sept. 1

Comedy is about to be defined in a whole new way as TBS prepares to enter the HDTV arena with the launch of TBS in HD in September, it was announced today by Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. The HDTV simulcast of TBS's East Coast feed will offer viewers a stellar line-up of comedy that includes such exclusive programs as the TBS original series My Boys and The Bill Engvall Show, which are being shot in high-definition; first-run series like Tyler Perry's House of Payne, which recently set an ad-supported cable ratings record; hot contemporary sitcoms like Seinfeld, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond and Sex and the City; and highly rated comedy specials like World's Funniest Commercials. TBS in HD will launch Sunday, Sept. 1.

"With the launch of TBS in HD, we will bring an outstanding line-up of comedy programming to our viewers in a video format that is on the fast track to becoming the industry and consumer standard," said Koonin. "We are extremely proud to bring TBS to the HD world."

"TBS is an excellent choice to be among the latest high-definition offerings from Turner Broadcasting," said Coleman Breland, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Turner Network Sales. "With the very best comedy line-up on television, TBS in HD is certain to be a big draw for viewers."

In addition to the network's top-rated line-up of comedy programming, TBS in HD will also showcase high-def presentations of TBS's exclusive coverage of the Major League Baseball's Division Series Playoffs and the National League Championship Series.

TBS in HD will be broadcast in 1080i 24 hours a day and use Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound across all TBS in HD programming. In addition, TBS in HD will present all of its programming, including promotional content and commercials, in 16:9 wide-screen, giving viewers a consistent viewing experience.

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television's "very funny" network. It serves as home to such hot contemporary comedies as Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, King of Queens, Seinfeld and Friends; original comedy series like My Boys, The Bill Engvall Show, 10 Items or Less and Frank TV (working title); first-run series like Tyler Perry's House of Payne; specials and special events, such as Funniest Commercials of the Year and The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a TimeWarner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming to the basic cable industry.