A WORCESTERSHIRE- based presentation and communication company has become one of the first of its kind to introduce the use of revolutionary high definition (HD) technology.

DRP Group, which is based in Hartlebury, has just received its brand new Sony HDW 730 camera and kit that will be used in the production of corporate film and broadcast projects.

High definition is a completely new form of transmission that has just been launched across Europe.

The format produces much higher quality visual images than has been possible with previous format. HD is rapidly becoming a household term and this will increase dramatically during 2006 with more and more television programmes transmitting in HD, including the World Cup and Wimbledon sporting events.

Sales of HD-ready TVs are rapidly increasing and HD DVD will be launched later this year.

The purchasing of the new camera is phase two of DRP's HD investment.

Last year saw the company refurbish its editing suites and studios which included the installation of HD equipment. This latest phase enables HD to be taken on location and phase three will follow later this year.

Dale Parmenter, managing direction of DRP Group, explained: "From our point of view the investment is huge and quite unique in the corporate market in which we operate. High definition production has been the format of choice for television commercial producers, pop music video producers, high end drama and natural history programmes for the last 18 months. However, the corporate production market has been slow on the uptake.

"We are therefore delighted to be the first company of our kind to introduce the format to our clients who will now be able to have their own internal films, videos and bulletins broadcast in the same high quality as we are starting to see on our TVs.

"We now have the kit in house and are looking to not only increase the quality of work we do for existing clients but also expand our client base into new markets."