HDNet to Provide Live Exclusive High-Definition Coverage of Launch of Shuttle Discovery
DALLAS -- HDNet will once again take viewers on an exclusive high-definition adventure with complete coverage of NASA's launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew as they embark on mission STS-121, currently scheduled for Saturday, July 1.
Utilizing up to 14 cameras positioned throughout the Kennedy Space Center, HDNet's extensive live coverage on the launch date will begin at 10:00 a.m. EDT with behind-the-scenes access to the astronauts as they suit up and board the shuttle, complete with their pre-launch routine inside the crew module. Then viewers will witness the countdown, launch, and follow the shuttle as it reaches far into the earth's atmosphere.
The coverage will be hosted by Greg Dobbs; however, in keeping with HDNet's practice of delivering live world news raw and uninterrupted by outside commentary, the network will also broadcast the natural sounds of the launch enhanced by NASA's commentary, allowing the HDNet audience to receive their information directly from mission control.
"We feel that every Shuttle Launch is a unique and historical American experience, so we're very excited to provide exclusive HD coverage of this launch," said Mark Cuban of HDNet. "Being able to watch a shuttle launch in high definition, with its advanced resolution, sound and widescreen picture is an experience like no other -- and we're proud to continue providing this 'on the launch pad' experience for our viewers."
The complex task of producing a live, multi-camera, high-definition telecast of an historic event such as this requires extensive equipment and technical support.
HDNet is installing 1080i cameras in various locations ranging from high atop the 550-foot Vehicle Assembly Building to the "White Room" (the entry hatch into the Shuttle itself). Close-up views of the exterior of the shuttle and of the astronauts once they are inside the crew module will appear courtesy of several NASA cameras.
HDNet will be deploying a special Canon DIGI SUPER 100xs lens with image stabilization capable of a 1860mm focal length. This will enable a 1080i camera situated at one of the tracking sites to follow Discovery at least 176,000 feet, or 33 miles into the earth's atmosphere.
This will be the greatest number of high-definition cameras available during a live shuttle launch. This not only makes for great television, but also captures irregularities not normally visible with standard definition. Last year, HDNet's launch pad camera captured the shuttle's external fuel tank striking a vulture on liftoff.
DALLAS -- HDNet will once again take viewers on an exclusive high-definition adventure with complete coverage of NASA's launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew as they embark on mission STS-121, currently scheduled for Saturday, July 1.
Utilizing up to 14 cameras positioned throughout the Kennedy Space Center, HDNet's extensive live coverage on the launch date will begin at 10:00 a.m. EDT with behind-the-scenes access to the astronauts as they suit up and board the shuttle, complete with their pre-launch routine inside the crew module. Then viewers will witness the countdown, launch, and follow the shuttle as it reaches far into the earth's atmosphere.
The coverage will be hosted by Greg Dobbs; however, in keeping with HDNet's practice of delivering live world news raw and uninterrupted by outside commentary, the network will also broadcast the natural sounds of the launch enhanced by NASA's commentary, allowing the HDNet audience to receive their information directly from mission control.
"We feel that every Shuttle Launch is a unique and historical American experience, so we're very excited to provide exclusive HD coverage of this launch," said Mark Cuban of HDNet. "Being able to watch a shuttle launch in high definition, with its advanced resolution, sound and widescreen picture is an experience like no other -- and we're proud to continue providing this 'on the launch pad' experience for our viewers."
The complex task of producing a live, multi-camera, high-definition telecast of an historic event such as this requires extensive equipment and technical support.
HDNet is installing 1080i cameras in various locations ranging from high atop the 550-foot Vehicle Assembly Building to the "White Room" (the entry hatch into the Shuttle itself). Close-up views of the exterior of the shuttle and of the astronauts once they are inside the crew module will appear courtesy of several NASA cameras.
HDNet will be deploying a special Canon DIGI SUPER 100xs lens with image stabilization capable of a 1860mm focal length. This will enable a 1080i camera situated at one of the tracking sites to follow Discovery at least 176,000 feet, or 33 miles into the earth's atmosphere.
This will be the greatest number of high-definition cameras available during a live shuttle launch. This not only makes for great television, but also captures irregularities not normally visible with standard definition. Last year, HDNet's launch pad camera captured the shuttle's external fuel tank striking a vulture on liftoff.
The picture looks fantastic! as it allways does with hdnet on dish 
