HD THEATER UPFRONT PROGRAMMING FACT SHEET
Offering viewers a visually arresting glimpse into the world around them, HD Theater's schedule is jam-packed with compelling real-world and motorized content from a wide-range of categories including adventure, technology and nature. One of television's most widely distributed high definition networks, with over 22 million households, HD Theater broadcasts nearly all of its content in brilliant 1080i and 5.1 digital surround sound. The cornerstone of programming for HD Theater's upfront programming slate is an array of high-end automotive programs, designed to get viewers' engines rumbling and take them on a journey of discovery from the comfort of their own home.
HD Theater's programming highlights for the 2009-2010 upfront programming slate include:
NEW SERIES
TWIST THE THROTTLE
Millions of people ride motorcycles and millions more fantasize about what it would be like to ride these cultural icons of speed, freedom and personal rebellion. HD Theater's new series TWIST THE THROTTLE takes audiences on a remarkable 36,000 mile journey across the globe to explore eight of the most famous sport motorcycle brands. Each episode focuses on a single brand, showcasing its remarkable history and taking viewers behind the scenes of its factories, design facilities and R&D departments. Ultimately, each episode takes to the asphalt and shows what it is like to ride these magnificent machines on some of the most picturesque roads and spectacular racetracks in the world.
STUNT STARS
Traveling to the sets of popular television and movie productions, STUNT STARS examines how stunt professionals calculate and overcome the risks to bring the action to life on screen. From intentionally crashing cars, lighting themselves on fire or mastering a martial arts fight sequence, these unsung heroes and heroines of entertainment are highlighted in this action-packed series. Featuring Stunt Hall of Fame members like David Boushey, viewers gain a better appreciation for the craftsmanship, science and skill these professionals bring to work every day.
I COULD DO THAT!
This series profiles everyday people, who get their chance at the controls of machines they have always admired from afar and claimed they could master. Whether it is a giant crane operator, helicopter pilot or tug boat captain, each I COULD DO THAT! episode features three adventurous rookies and gives them the opportunity to take the reigns. However, first the participants go through a simulator-type experience and training from experts before getting their big break at the hands-on experience.
SUN-RIDE EARTH
The evolution of the runaway hit SUNRISE EARTH is SUN-RIDE EARTH, a first-person tour of scenic drives from majestic start to end. Just like SUNRISE EARTH, the series does not add music or narration. Instead, just the natural ambient sounds and hum of the engine complement the action as SUN-RIDE EARTH viewers experience the Acacia National Parkway in Maine at the height of fall foliage or cruise around the pristine Great Salt Lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Like every amazing journey, points of interest are highlighted along the way until the audience reaches the final destination, a spectacular vista showcased in exceptional high-definition.
MIGHTY SHIPS
Taking to the high seas, MIGHTY SHIPS explores the inner-workings of amazing vessels working the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers of the world. From the luxurious liner, the Queen Mary 2, to the current longest vessel in use, the Emma Maersk container ship, this series goes above and below deck to examine the mechanics and engineering that keep these boats ship-shape. Viewers are introduced to each ship's unique crew, including the Tyco Resolute's cable laying engineers, the veterinarians aboard the livestock ship M/V Becrux and the deckhands of the Canadian Coast Guard's icebreaker, Henry Larson.
THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE RIDES
This series scours the globe to profile the world's most expensive and extravagant cars, planes, boats and motorcycles � meaning anything that rolls, floats or flies and is spectacularly luxurious could be included. THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE RIDES gives viewers a glimpse into the no-limits world of billionaires' cherished toys. Each episode features three "rides" and showcases the precise craftsmanship, extraordinary details and lavish features that make each vehicle special.
RETURNING SERIES
MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS
Building upon the series' continued success, HD Theater returns with more live episodes of MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS: MUSCLE CARS AND MORE. This high-octane, high-definition series features Mecum Auction Company's premier events, which specialize in selling high-end muscle cars, timeless classics and rare exotics to the highest bidders. The bidding action is hot and the cars are hotter, as each live auction unfolds with a team of knowledgeable hosts highlighting the unique features and historical significance of each vehicle hitting the auction block. MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS: MUSCLE CARS AND MORE broadcasts live from outside Chicago on October 1-3 and Kansas City on December 4 and 5.
CHASING CLASSIC CARS, SEASON 2
This fast-paced series follows Wayne Carini, a premier Ferrari expert and master automobile restorer, as he embarks on a personal mission to uncover great cars and secret collections. Scouring the countryside looking for forgotten classic automobiles, Carini searches barns, warehouses and literally goes underground to uncover some of the rarest collectable cars. Once he brokers a good deal, Carini meticulously restores the vehicles before seeing what his hard work garners at auction.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
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