February 12, 2009 - Winegard Company

ION Media Networks, Inc., owner and operator of the nation's largest television station group has recently announced it's plans to launch it's suite of networks in high definition (HD) in 2009. This includes qubo, ION Life and ION Television which is set to launch in the first quarter.

“We’ve made significant investments in infrastructure and content to bring excellent picture quality to consumers in time for the digital transition,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “Our viewers in the 94 million homes we serve will enjoy the full benefits of DTV technology.”

The ION Television network is host to many fan favorites from the CBS and NBC networks as well sa Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. and more. The fall 2008 programming lineup will feature "NCIS", "Boston Legal" and "ER" as well as movies such as "Batman Returns", "GoodFellas" and "You've Got Mail".

ION is the latest in a long line of networks to announce new HDTV programming broadcast for free to viewers. Dot2 Network has also recently announced a high definition sub-channel launching with it's new service in 2009.

The DTV Transition scheduled for mid-February 2009 and now moved to June 12, 2009 has brought on an broader awareness of what broadcast networks are available to consumers.

"The increased capacity of channels that digital technology brings to broadcast TV is allowing TV viewing with an antenna to rival the programming offerings of some basic cable systems," said Grant Whipple, National Sales Manager - Digital Reception Programming, Winegard Company. "and in many cases, offer digital channels unavailable on cable networks.

With more than 20 nationwide broadcast networks available today showing consumer favorite television and movies for absolutely free, over-the-air television is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds.