Viewfinder: HDTV

Many industry insiders believe that the first people to embrace HDTV will be those who already produce video.Video producers know the nuances of good lighting, contrast composition and color balance and have a propensity to appreciate high quality video. In addition to image quality, the entire video experience has a greater richness with HDTV and the stories can be more enjoyable with the high-resolution of the picture and the fantastic sound quality of HDTV.

This year, we'll see more high definition camcorders entering the field and possibly the primary reason why video producers are more likely to upgrade to HDTV may be a selfish one. A true and healthy market for these camcorders is emerging because people love to watch their own home videos on a HDTV monitor. It is extremely satisfying to use such high quality gear, and showing your video on an HDTV monitor to an audience is incredibly rewarding. For many of your viewers, your video will be superior to anything that they have ever seen on a TV because most viewers have yet to watch an entire program or video shot for HDTV.

In the coming months, we will begin providing more editorial coverage of the unique aspects of shooting for HDTV. Not only does it require a new HDV camcorder, but it also requires more powerful editing equipment, specialized monitoring, and greater attention to lighting, accessories and d…