My understanding is that Everybody Loves Raymond wasn't available in HD, however, it will be soon... (see below) - I don't think the choice for that was TBS's. Now, if after 3/17, we don't see it in HD, then there would be a reason to complain.
The syndicated Everybody Loves Raymond will be available in High-Definition starting March 17.
That's according to an article by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
The sitcom starring Ray Romano has been a ratings hit in syndication following its long run on CBS. The syndicated show is offered to local stations, which can air the 30-minute repeats when they choose.
But although the show is now seen in hundreds of markets, many local stations may opt not to air the high-def version due to a lack of equipment necessary for the broadcast.
In addition, B&C reports that the first three seasons of Raymond were not shot in HD and therefore will have to be remastered for syndicated high-def broadcast.
Everybody Loves Raymond will be the second network sitcom to go high-def in syndication. The first: Two and a Half Men. Game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are also available in syndication in HD.
Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal tells B&C that the high-def switch is landmark.
“I jumped up and down to hear that my little TV show was getting this royal treatment,” says Rosenthal. “I think it will pay off because everyone is getting HDTVs. When I'm watching TV, I look for content in HD, almost whether I'm interested in the show or not. This is the future, and it will be marvelous to have what we worked on preserved in High-Definition.”
