RTL, VOX, n-tv and the digital channels RTL Crime, Passion and RTL Living planned to switch their complete programmes to 16:9 by autumn 2008. The conversion was tied to Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s move and the commissioning of its new broadcast centre in Cologne-Deutz.
RTL had already transmitted selected films and series including House, Monk and CSI: Miami in 16:9 for about 18 months. The broadcaster was also increasing the proportion of fiction produced in the widescreen format.
CBC managing director Thomas Harscheidt said RTL had converted around 20 percent of its programming and that VOX would begin shortly. The new broadcast centre would allow n-tv, current-affairs programmes and magazine formats to be produced and transmitted in 16:9 as well.
