Will the upcoming 2008-2009 season (in the US) be in widescreen/HD?

[Golden Darkness]

While this question could be applied to all TV shows in the US still not widescreen, most of the series that are in widescreen already are live-action.

I know upcoming digital switchover doesn't require HD broadcasts. However all tv broadcasters(as I figure) will use the digital signal for HD broadcasts. And the transition is in the middle of the season, so I figure shows would have to be HD ready at least.

Of course, they could still have their shows in 4:3, but you know the general public and their dislike of black space on their TV screens. I got to wonder if there is even a mandate for all TV production to be widescreen henceforth.

[Matt Hazuda]

Of course, they could still have their shows in 4:3, but you know the general public and their dislike of black space on their TV screens. I got to wonder if there is even a mandate for all TV production to be widescreen henceforth.No, broadcasters are required to change their broadcasts to digital, but they're under no obligation to upgrade to HD or change their filming for the widescreen aspect ratio.

Does that mean that they won't? Probably not. More and more channels are including HD versions and when the analog broadcast rule is finally dropped, the cablecos will be able to increase their HD channel availability a lot more than they currently can with the bandwidth that is being taken up by carrying both analog and digital feeds.