Nat Geo launches first HDTV title

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National Geographic's treasure seekers series ‘Mysteries of the Nile' is to become the first high definition title released in the international marketplace.

Julie Bellonte, Vice President of International Home & DVD at National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F), described the release as "a beacon of where we are heading," adding, "National Geographic has such rich and intriguing productions that lend themselves to high definition. We are pleased to be in a position to segue this title to the international marketplace through our association with Microsoft and its Windows Media 9 Series, which powers movies into the high-definition format. As the technology continues to advance, we will be looking to drastically increase our release volume of titles in high definition."

In its long-term distribution agreement with Australia's Rainbow Products, Rainbow will release "Mysteries of the Nile," as a 60-minute film in high-definition throughout Australia and New Zealand in January 2005.

‘Mysteries of the Nile' is an extension of an agreement that National Geographic has with Microsoft Corp. to release specific programmes in high definition through Microsoft's Windows Media 9 Series.