Racing:
Speed Channel Going High-Def
By Greg Zyla
Q: I enjoyed your article on Speed television founder Roger Werner. Will we see high definition on Speed in 2008? It's the only channel that doesn't have NASCAR high-definition broadcasts. -- Joann G., New Jersey
A: Joann, we went right to the new president, Hunter Nickell, with your question. Nickell came to Speed in 2005 after 12 years as general manager of FSN (Fox Sports Net) South, where he oversaw the nation's largest regional sports television network.
A native of Detroit, Nickell captained his Denison University ice hockey team and received a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications in 1978. He taught English and coached ice hockey and lacrosse in Kents Hill, Maine, and New Canaan, Conn., for five years before moving into cable television.
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ZYLA: When will Speed begin high-definition broadcasting?
Nickell: We're coming out of the gate with more than 100 hours of HD production from Daytona this February for Speedweeks 2008. Then, we'll settle in about 40-50 hours of original capture HD every week for the foreseeable future. Our goal -- like everyone else -- is to transition to 100 percent HD production over the course of a few years, or faster assuming the demand is there. We will be delivering the signal in 720p -- the Fox standard. (Note: 720p HD is more appropriate for fast action as it uses progressive scan frames, as opposed to 1080i which uses interlaced fields and thus can have a degradation of image quality with fast motion.)
ZYLA: Let's talk about increasing Speed's leadership position in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. What exactly can you tell our readers about this, and what are some of your plans?
Nickell: Our strategy in this area is simple: We will have complete integration between the linear network and non-linear (Web, wireless, VOD) applications, through syndication, promotion and ad sales. We very excited about a re-launch of Speedtv.com in February that will deliver more editorial, video and photo content. Thus, it truly will be the online motorsports authority.
In addition, we have strong mobile deals with Sprint and Cingular, including the launch of our SPEED WAP deck, which basically gives users Speedtv.com to go. Speed cable VOD also continues to grow. To continue strengthening all of these areas, we are constantly looking for creative relationships for more content, commerce and distribution.
ZYLA: When SPEED began under Roger Werner back on Dec. 31 of 1995, it impacted 3.2 million homes. You are nearing 80 million today, including the 5 million in Canada. Where would you like to be in 2010?
Nickell: I'd like to be among the top 10 linear multichannel networks. Now, do I think we can get there by 2010? That would be a significant challenge.
ZYLA: Where can we look for changes in 2008 at Speed, and what will stay the same?
Nickell: In no particular order, we will be relentless in trying to find cool and entertaining ways to cover NASCAR. We also have a new Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas, and we'll have the biggest commitment Speed has ever had, and by a significant margin, in the original programming area. We just re-upped with ALMS (American Le Mans Series) and are in multiyear deals with NASCAR, Formula One, Grand Am, Supercross and MotoGP, among others.
Of the series that have been available to Speed, we have the ones we want. We have the top open-wheel series in F1, the top sports-car racing and the top motorcycle racing.
Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send an e-mail to gzyla@ptd.net.
(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc. | 
