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TOS Remastered FAQ

Are they changing the story like Lucas did with Star Wars?
No. New shots are in keeping with the spirit of the show and only improving the quality of the effects, but no changes to the narrative. CGI shots will be the same length and generally respect the directorial and editorial decisions made for the original version.

Is it broadcast in HD?
Not at this time.

Where can I download episodes?
Apple’s iTunes store and Microsoft’s Xbox Live service. Both services offer entire seasons of Star Trek, with some remastered episodes mixed in with non-remastered episodes. As more episodes are produced and aired, they are then added later to these services. The Xbox Live service offers the episodes in 720p HD.

When will it be available on DVD?
Winter 2007 for the first season (in the USA and Japan on HD DVD/DVD combo discs* only).

*HD DVD/DVD combo discs are a ‘flipper’ disc that has the new HD DVD format on one side and a standard DVD on the other. This allows standard DVD users to watch the standard definition version today, and when you upgrade to HD DVD equipment, watch the full 1080p HD resolution version on the flip side.

Will the non-remastered version continue to be available on DVD and in syndication (G4TV and TVLand)?
Yes, at least for the time being

When will it be available outside the US?
Unknown. The DVDs will be available in Japan in Winter 2007.

Are they remastering and redoing the effects for the full episodes before editing them for syndication?
Yes.

What is the Aspect Ratio of TOS Remastered?
TOS was shot on 35mm film which has a ratio of 1:37:1 (slightly wider then the target TV ratio of 4:3 [1:33:1]). The CBS Digital team is making the new CG effects in 16:9 to be ready for potential future widescreen versions. However for the time being it is broadcast in 4:3 with ‘pillar boxing’ on HD channels (with the new CG shots ‘cropped’ to match the live action). The HD-DVD versions will also have this pillar boxing. [Note: HD downloads off of XBox are also primarily pillar boxed, but CG shots are inserted in full 16:9…CBS have said this is actually a mistake and they hope to fix that]

TIP: Even with the current copies of TOS Remastered only being standard definition, if you watch TOS Remastered from your local affiliate’s digital (HDTV) broadcast will you get the cleanest sharpest broadcast possible.

What happened to ‘Star Trek: Entperprise’ in syndication?
Star Trek Remastered is taking the place of Enteprise after it ended its first year in syndication. However, Enterprise is now showing on the digital cable/satellite network HDNet in high definition and on the SciFi Channel in standard definition.

NOTE: Information subject to change. All information based on CBS and other sources