Quick Updates: ESPNews HD Launches on 30th March

April 3, 2008 8:44 am admin News

ESPNews HD launched today (March 30, 2008) at 8 a.m. ET and will be simulcast at various times today on ESPN and ESPN 2 HD.

DIRECTV, Comcast and Time Warner have all said they will carry the new high-def channel, but it appears they have not added it at launch. DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer on Friday reiterated past company statements, saying it would be added in “early 2008.” He would not elaborate on the actual launch day. (ESPNews HD was not available on DIRECTV on Sunday morning.)

Both DIRECTV and Comcast subscribers today could see the high-def version of ESPNews during the simulcasts on ESPN HD and ESPN HD 2.

ESPNews HD has launched with a new look, including an “HD Sideline” graphic that wraps around the top, left and bottom of the screen for HD viewers. The wrap can not be seen in the SD version. The network said the sideline graphic will provide additional real-time information, such as news, scores, stats, headshots and league standings.