GMA Network Inc. has invested P139 million to upgrade its traditional screen format to widescreen format starting today.
“Recognizing that a majority of TV homes in the country have already shifted to wider flat-screen TVs from the traditional box-type, and more importantly that our viewers deserve the best that we can offer, GMA will now provide its viewers with a true widescreen viewing experience for all its TV channels,” Paul Ticzon, GMA Network first vice president and head of post-production, said.
“The 16:9 widescreen format allows content creators of GMA to provide better storytelling which translates to a more immersive viewing experience for our audiences. Through a higher spatial resolution, there is more freedom in composition and visual expression,” Ticzon added.
The 16:9 widescreen format is available on GMA and GTV, as well as on digital channels Heart of Asia, Hallypop, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits. Kapuso abroad can have the same viewing experience via GMA international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV.
“GMA Network budgeted over P139M in capital expenditure for the acquisition of attendant electronics equipment that facilitate the 16:9 widescreen format delivery through our existing analog and digital terrestrial broadcast network nationwide, as well as re-distribution partners here and abroad,” Elvis Ancheta, GMA Network senior vice president and head of engineering group, said.
“The 16:9 widescreen format can display 33 percent more distinct picture information than what we are used to seeing with the traditional screen format. We have chosen to utilize the full height anamorphic process or FHA to make this possible,” he added.
GMA earlier said it remained the country’s leading broadcasting network as it continued to widen its viewership and reach in 2022.
Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to December 2022, GMA Network’s combined people net reach, including GTV and its other digital channels, was at 96 percent or 78 million viewers in total Philippines.
GMA, GTV, and the Network’s digital channels I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, and Hallypop registered a combined people audience share of 59.5 percent in Total Philippines.
GMA was the most watched channel in Total Philippines for the said period with 42.7 percent people audience share.
GTV, the Network’s second free-to-air channel, sustained its lead over counterparts TV5, A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel. GTV logged people audience share of 10.5 percent in total Philippines against its closest rival TV5, which got 9.8 percent.
