Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2008) -- Starting March 31, HGTV and Food Network will offer HD simulcasts of their standard-def channels.

For the past year, the two networks have offered dedicated high-def channels with different programming lineups than the standard-def lineups.

But Scripps Networks, which owns the two channels, says it wants to allow viewers to watch their favorite shows in high-def at the same time they are on in SD.


Food's Giada De Laurentiis will be in SD and HD at the same.

“We are moving from a wheel format to a full-blown simulcast because of affiliate and viewer demand,” said Hal Rosenberg, senior vice president at Scripps Networks. “The programming simulcast is not only great news for Food Network-HD and HGTV-HD viewers, it also gives our affiliates a new tool to help drive HD upgrades.”

Scripps says commercials will air at the same time on both the SD and HD feeds.

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