Eurovision 2017

Whether a country has hdtv domestically and whether it can host an HD outside broadcast isn't necessarily related. They will bring in whatever kit they need in order to provide the required standard of programme. The interesting line in that article, for me at least, is that they're concerned about getting people safely in and out of Ukraine.

Yes, when Ireland first hosted the contest, RTE still broadcast in black and white so the BBC loaned them colour equipment.

I've not been following it on a daily basis (I'll be paying more attention now…), but I think much of the trouble has been around Donetsk (and that was where in 2014 the pro-Russian forces seized the TV station and replaced the Kiev channel with a Russian one.) There have been clashes in Kiev (aka Kyiv), such as at the parliament building, and a few isolated explosions, but the Foreign Office describe it, and western cities, as "generally calm". (Remember it's a massive country.) The Foreign Office advice is to not travel to Donetsk, Luhansk (right by the eastern border) and, obviously, Crimea.

If Donetsk is unlikely, fair to assume they'd still prefer Kiev to anywhere else given the size of the airport?

Internet connectivity is I suppose another consideration (for the press, but also the EBU were using their new IP network this year to take the jury feeds.)

Im starting to think UK, France and even Germany should be made to compete with the Semi finals. I bet many would still watch it if UK never got though. It might make us up our game.

I don't think anyone watches for the UK entry. Peak viewing is always during the voting.

I think the last time Ukraine hosted in 2005 was the first in widescreen? Seems quite late but I suppose much of Europe took a while to switch, UK in 1998 was 4:3 but surely would have been 16:9 had they hosted the following year in '99.

Not sure when Eurovision first went HD but must only have been a year or two later.

Bet Spain would be pleased then - free pass into the final along with Italy and the winners every year.

Look, the amount of Euros (or Swiss Francs) that the BBC put into the EBU every year, you have to expect some sort of favour back.
Having the 5 biggest bankrollers of the competion 'overlord' on a free pass into the final - and competing on the same level playing field with everyone else - is the most fairest favour the EBU can give to the BBC, TVE, RAI, ARD and France Televisions...

..and with the voting patterns, it's not like the rest of Europe watching are partlicually bothered by this.

Should the US have an athlete in every Olympic final though considering NBC pay by far the most for the rights?

2004 had the first fully widescreen Olympics, and parts of that were still being produced in analogue, so 05 for Eurovision wasn't that late.

I recall that F1 and Ski Sunday were quite late in going widescreen as well.

Not quite the same, Eurovision is a made for TV event.

2007 was the first HD show IIRC. 2006 was 16:9, not sure about 2005.