All My Children's move from New York to Los Angeles was designed as a way to help the show cut its operating budget. However, viewers will soon see that the show's move has also allowed for a few other perks. One of those perks will be visible starting today.
On Wednesday, February 3, the 40-year-old All My Children broadcasts its first-ever episode in high-definition. Viewers with an HD-capable television, and cable or satellite service with hi-def channels will find that each episode will look "a little crisper, a little brighter, and a little fancier," according to the network. HD viewers will also notice that the show will take up the whole television screen.
There will be other changes, as well. Many of All My Children's sets will be upgrade or refreshed with some new coats of paint. In storyline last week, Annie Chandler announced that she was planning to remodel the parlor at Chandler Mansion. The Wildwind set will also receive an overhaul.
All My Children becomes just the third soap to begin broadcasting in high-definition. CBS's The Young and the Restless led the way and has been broadcasting in high-definition since June 2001. Last year, ABC reportedly spent upwards of $3,000,000 to upgrade General Hospital's studio to allow for HD production. All My Children's hi-def upgrade cost next to nothing -- the new studio was already wired and ready for high-definition production.
In October, Soap Central reported exclusively that One Life to Live's plans to go HD were put on hold because of a lack of funding. ABC will revisit its attempt to upgrade One Life to Live next year.
