ABC says it will soon deliver high-definition programming over the Internet, as well as provide a range of on-demand and streaming content to Sprint mobile phones.

Hi Def over the Internet

In July, ABC.com will beta test an HD channel showing "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy" in the same 720-line progressive HD (1280 x 720 resolution) format used by the ABC broadcast network. The company was shy on any details about what technology they are going to use, a key factor in determining the relative picture quality of high-definition video.

The news here isn't Hi Def over the Internet because others claim that capability, too. Rather, it is that premium quality shows are starting to use the Internet as a distribution mechanism. This will contribute to the pressure to stream shows directly to the television, bypassing cable VOD.

Sprint Mobile Television

ABC will also provide a range of content to Sprint mobile users, including on-demand, full-length episodes of hits shows like "Desperate Housewives" and a new linear mobile channel, ABC Mobile, that will feature streaming versions of primetime-shows and ABC News content.

Sprint will also provide a new linear channel from kids network disney channel, as well as on-demand access to popular Disney Channel shows. It already streams ABC linear news channel, ABC News Now, and carries other ABC news programs on-demand.

The content from Disney-ABC Television is available on phones that can receive the Sprint "Power Vision TV Pack", which costs an additional $20 per month after a voice calling plan. The Sprint Power Vision TV Pack also provides more than 20 other channels of video content. Sprint will alternatively make the Disney Channel content, including the on-demand programs and linear channel.