The 16th Asian Games announced its global TV broadcasting plans for next year's Games.

The main broadcasting service of the Games GAB was established on December 31, 2008 with Ma Guoli, the former CEO of Beijing Olympic Broadcasting, as its president.

GAB's broadcasting signal will be in three modes, HD, SD and ENG. There will be a total of 74 lines of live signals, including 22 lines of HD signals and 52 lines of SD signals with 13 recorded broadcast fields available.

Interim HD broadcasting plans will cover 12 of the leading Asian Games events, including opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, badminton, table tennis, basketball (finals), soccer (finals), volleyball (finals), Judo and Taekwondo.

Ren Tianhua, Deputy Director of the GACOG Broadcasting and Media Services Department said: "HBS, a high level international producing company with years of producing experience, will be invited as the responsible producer of athletics, aquatics and gymnastics."

"Several domestic and international broadcasting and TV networks want to be involved in the Asian Games broadcasting signal production and expects numerous broadcasting and TV outlets to purchase the broadcasting rights of these Games," added Ren.

GAB plans to hold a signing ceremony in Guangzhou in this May to name its key TV broadcasting partners.

The 16th Asian Games will be held in Guangzhou from November 12-27, 2010. More than 14,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete in 42 events. More than 10,000 accredited and non-accredited worldwide media are anticipated to cover the Games with more than three million spectators expected to attend.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2009)