Jeff Jarrett Reflects on TNA Wrestling’s Transition to HD Television
By Jeff Wolfe | @prowrestlingw8r
WWE Hall of Famer, Jeff Jarrett, recently shared his insights on the transition from standard definition to high definition television for TNA Wrestling on his podcast, My World with Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett provided a detailed account of the challenges and expenses involved in upgrading their production quality.
During the podcast episode, Jarrett emphasized the importance of understanding television production as a professional wrestler. He acknowledged the educational journey he went through while working with various promotions, such as Channel Five Studios, ESPN, and WWE. Jarrett recognized the significance of the Federal Communications Commission’s ruling that required all programming to convert to high definition, which impacted major networks like NBC, CBS, TBS, and TNT.
However, Jarrett highlighted the unique challenges faced by TNA Wrestling, being a second-tier network in the Viacom family. The cost of converting their studio and production equipment to high definition was an enormous expense for the relatively small promotion. Jarrett admitted that it was a real process and a significant undertaking for TNA.
Despite the financial burden, Jarrett expressed his gratitude towards Spike, the network that aired TNA Wrestling at the time. Spike understood the importance of having prime time programming in high definition and supported TNA during the transition. With the help of an outside firm, TNA was able to upgrade their studio and ensure their content met the new standards of high definition television.
As Jarrett reflected on the experience, he recognized the educational value it provided to wrestlers in the industry. Understanding production and being knowledgeable about the technical aspects of television is crucial for any talent. Jarrett emphasized that being a complete performer goes beyond just in-ring skills; it involves a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process.
Today, when fans revisit TNA Wrestling’s library, they will notice the significant improvement in production quality, with no more bars on the sides of the screen indicating standard definition. The transition to high definition television changed everything for TNA, enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans.
Jeff Jarrett’s insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by professional wrestling promotions when transitioning to high definition television. The financial burden and technical requirements involved in the process highlight the dedication and commitment of promotions like TNA Wrestling to provide the best possible product for their audience.
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