Looking at the CBS website and I can't tell if Survivor or Amazing Race are in HD this season... Anyone know?

Neither will be in HD.

Has it ever been addressed if there's a reason for this (beyond CBS just not caring)? These shows have been ratings juggernauts, and due to the exotic locales would seem ideal for HD.

Are HD cameras bigger, heavier, not as conducive to being mobile (and not on a tripod in a studio)?

It probably comes down to how many cameras are needed for the shows. you figure for TAR it's 12 teams at the start, so that's at least 12 cameras. Whereas most dramas/sitcoms probably use 3 or 4, or maybe more I'm not sure, the only thinkg I can think of.

CBS rarely broadcast the NFL in HD (even national games!), so there's no shot at reality.

HD cameras cost more and the less they spend on cameras, the more they make on the show. This is lame and Survivor would probably be the best HD show on the air due to the surroundings.

The significant cost is actually in post-production, not so much in the cameras, although in reality shows like Survivor, you do run the risk of having to trash cameras due to wear periodically.

Well, there is no excuse for Big Brother not being in HD, even if they are small HD spy camera's. All of the cameras on the show are fixed, so there isn't a problem of lugging them around.

Chris

Ditto for Rockstar. Makes no sense to me.

To echo myself, the cost is in post-production. Replacing your editing suite and losing the ease/speed/efficiency/reliability with which SD video can be cut together both carry a hefty price tag.

I believe that has more to do with the lack of "Trucks" equipped for broadcasting live HD events.

If FOX can do it, then there's no reason "the best network on TV" can't.

Especially considering the NFL on CBS is probably watched by 826 billion people.