In a recent episode of My World with Jeff Jarrett, WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett discussed the transition from standard definition to high definition for TNA Wrestling. Jarrett shared his insights on the challenges and expenses involved in making this technological leap.
“From my perspective, I’m going to ask you what time it is. I’m going to tell you how to build a clock on this one. No, the quick version is I was always engaged, even at Channel Five Studios. You know how these three cameras, four cameras, this and that, then you go, I went to Tennessee and Texas, and we’re on ESPN creating that. And it’s kind of the same thing, but it’s just produced differently and all that. But that’s a nationally syndicated show, the ESPN, USWA, Texas shows. Then you move to WWE, and that’s a global show, and that’s a whole different world. Titan Studios and all that. So, all along the way, I got my education, for the most part, on how television is produced and shot and a lifetime of experience.”
Jarrett acknowledged that the decision to convert all programming to high definition was made by the FCC, although he wasn’t entirely certain. He highlighted that major networks like NBC, CBS, TBS, and TNT had the financial resources to make the transition seamlessly. However, for smaller networks like Spike, which was a second-tier network in the Viacom family, the conversion process was a significant challenge.
“It was a real issue. I mean, to go back into this era. I mean, it was, like you said, enormously expensive. It was a real process. And so when it came to little old TNA who had been on Spike, not that long scratching and clawing. We understood real quick. We hired an outside firm and our studio, and it’s an education process. But Spike leaned into it for us. They helped on certain levels, but we had to redo our studio, a studio that wasn’t that old, but the conversion was very expensive.”
Jarrett emphasized the impact of the transition on production, stating that it changed everything for TNA Wrestling. He highlighted the importance of understanding production as a talent in the wrestling industry, as it contributes to a complete skill set.
“There’s so much more than just going to the ring and ding ding ding. As a talent, you have to understand production. If you don’t, you’re an incomplete talent.”
Despite the challenges, Jarrett acknowledged the support TNA Wrestling received from Spike during the conversion process. The network recognized the need to have high-quality programming and worked closely with TNA to ensure a successful transition.
“Spike was very good with us and to us during this time frame because they kind of understood that on their side, ‘We can’t have prime time programming that’s at the top of our food chain in standard def.’ You know, we’ve got to figure this out and figure it out.”
Understanding the