In the summer of 2003, members of Purdue University's School of Technology decided to produce 90 hours of HDTV-quality instructional video as part of a distance-learning initiative. To fully exploit the power of the video medium and the added resolution of high-definition television, the team used virtual-set and advanced computer-graphics compositing techniques, which allow multiple layers of video to be shown within the same frame as the instructor. In this article, the author discusses the implementation, production and the development of HDTV distance learning content at Purdue University. This project demonstrates that, using instructional design practices and high-end computer graphics compositing, teachers can produce instructional content that is not only pedagogically effective but also maximizes the power of video. Recommendations for anyone who is willing to undertake a similar project are presented. (Contains 2 figures and 2 endnotes.)