(5 September 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: CNN Worldwide has launched its first news network in high definition in the US.

CNN HD stands as a separate high-definition signal offering a programming line-up identical to the CNN/US channel broadcast in the standard-definition format. As part of its initial entry into high-definition television, CNN will produce all of its New York-based programs, select documentaries and special events, including Planet in Peril and presidential debates, in HD.

This marks the company's global commitment to provide more news and information in that format for years to come.

The launch of CNN HD is part of a continued rollout of high-definition offerings. CNN Worldwide's high-definition plans go beyond upgrades of studios and production centers and include a significant investment in equipment in the field to ensure that its journalists can gather news in high definition. For example, crews will be equipped with a combination of HD cameras, laptop editors, trucks and fly-aways and the CNN Election Express, the network's mobile HD production unit.

For CNN HD, programmes produced will include American Morning, CNN's new 8 pm program anchored by Campbell Brown, Lou Dobbs Tonight, Anderson Cooper 360º, Lou Dobbs Weekend, Your $$$$$ and Open House. High-definition programming also includes Planet in Peril, a four-hour documentary featuring Anderson Cooper, Dr Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin. It has been filmed in HD across four continents and 13 countries.

CNN's first documentary filmed entirely in high definition will be CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary Fed Up: America's Killer Diet featuring Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent.

CNN's next two presidential debates – in November a Democratic debate co-sponsored with the Nevada Democratic Party in Las Vegas and a Republican debate co-sponsored with YouTube in Florida – will both be shot and produced in a high-definition format for live broadcasts.