CBS let it be known that the upcoming seasons The Amazing Race and Survivor would not be filmed in High-Definition, a big disappointment for fans everywhere.  At a point where most prime-time television shows have made the jump to HD, The Amazing Race and Survivor have been remained two of the few remaining hold-outs among high-profile TV series.  The reasons for this are somewhat legitimate, as both shows film in exotic locations with a expansive and mobile camera crew.  Upgrading all of each shows cameras to HD would certainly be costly, but this is no consolation to fans.

Can you imagine two shows more perfect for HD than The Amazing Race and Survivor?  The exotic locations and beautiful scenery would be glorious in crisp Hi-Def, a fact that is apparently lost on CBS executives.  To be fair, it's more understandable for The Amazing Race to decline upgrading to HD than Survivor.  The Amazing Race requires a different cameraman for each team, and that cameraman needs to be mobile and active.  HD cameras are a bit bulkier and less durable.  Nonetheless, the practical issues are more likely an excuse by CBS for money-saving purposes.

CBS, unfortunately, is a bit notorious for skimping on their HD coverage.  They were the last to cover NFL games in High-Definition, and still don't film all their games in HD, which is an unconscionable slap in the face to fans.  For Survivor, the camera crew isn't preposterously large, and they don't have to cover a whole lot of ground, so it's hard to buy any excuses for them not to make the switch to HD. 

Still, the lack of HD isn't a make or break for fans of either The Amazing Race or Survivor.  Viewers have been watching the shows for years without HD, and the continued lack of HD coverage shouldn't lead to decreased ratings.  But, it'd be a nice little treat from CBS if they eventually made the switch. 


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: Reality TV World
(Image Courtesy of CBS)