Recently, I was talking with Al Ulozas, our senior vice president of Affiliate Sales & Marketing about QVC being available in high definition. Since Al’s team partners with TV service providers so that QVC can be broadcast on their systems, you can imagine how focused this group is on the possibilities for “QVCHD.” When QVC made a high-definition TV signal available nationally to video distributors on April 30, 2008, we became the first multimedia retailer to release an HD channel.

The cable industry describes HDTV as the most dramatic change for viewers since the introduction of color television. It’s definitely dramatic for QVC. It means we’ll be able to deliver a more colorful, clear presentation to you, along with better sound quality.

Our Broadcasting team is thrilled with how HD will bring our products to life. For instance, with handbags or apparel, you’ll be able to see subtleties in texture, patterns and fabric that standard-resolution video doesn't adequately convey.

HD’s movie-screen format will give QVC a wider “sidebar” space than the existing format. We’re considering using this space to offer additional products to you. One possibility is “picture-in-picture” for HD-exclusive product you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It’s also more space to tell you about product details and our services.

So when can you view the clarity? Your TV service provider would be able to tell you. Feel free to ask your provider anything that’s on your mind about HDTV in general. Remember, to get most channels in HD, you’ll need to subscribe to the HDTV service offered by your TV service provider and have HDTV equipment that displays high-definition resolution.

To see what channel(s) QVC is currently being broadcast on in your area, you can visit our Program Guide on QVC.com and type in a zip code. As more TV service providers agree to carry QVCHD, and more channel locations become available with QVCHD, you’ll be able to see these listed here as well.

I’ll also put in a little plug here for our HD products to meet those equipment requirements I mentioned. Shop our electronics section here on the website or check the program guide for upcoming shows.

All the best,

Dan