A total of 130,000 high-definition sets have been sold since high-definition broadcasting began in the late 1980's.

In 2006, Studio 1A underwent a major renovation to prepare for 1080i high-definition broadcasting.

In preparation for the start of high-definition broadcasting, Sky News moved to its second studio (Studio B) on the morning of the 30 March 2010.

In 1996, a large video display was added center stage, which was then upgraded in 2003 as the show began the transition into high-definition broadcasting.

Growth in high-definition broadcasting, Internet-based programming and on-demand video services have buoyed satellite providers in North America, Asia and Europe.

The technology has been hindered by disagreements among Japan, the United States and Europe about what technical standard to adopt for high-definition broadcasting.

Once the transition to new high-definition digital broadcasting was complete, the extra channels were to be vacated, and the Government would auction them for a projected $5 billion.

NHK had planned to offer eight hours of high-definition broadcasting each day beginning late this year, from a small satellite that is to be launched in August or September.

CCTV-1 began high-definition broadcasting on 21 September 2009.

"The business plans for high-definition broadcasting are pretty skinny right now," he said.