More HD Movies Due on TV2 But Still Stereo Only

More HD movies are starting to creep into TV2’s schedule but TVNZ has still to confirm a date for when it will start broadcasting in Dolby Digitial 5.1 audio.

Although TV2 now screens most of its series in HD — this week, more than 20 hours’ worth — curiously few of its movies have been in 1080i.

A welcome change is Saturday’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the following Saturday’s free-to-air HD premiere of Appaloosa.

But why are HD movies the exception and not the norm?

“HD technical costs can apply to a number of our feature film deals – and these costs need to be considered when sourcing transmission materials,” a spokesperson told ScreenScribe.tv.

“However, we are certainly aiming to increase the number of primetime feature titles for airing in HD where we can.

“Likewise, we are working towards replacing a number of the re-run blockbuster titles, depending on availability – and replacement costs.”

In the meantime, TVNZ has still to announce a 5.1 switchover date for its HD transmissions.

“We want to make sure all systems are ‘go’ before confirming publicly,” a spokesperson says.

“I think we’d say it’s happening imminently, but not immediately.”