A&E adds more HDTV to UK bundle

[SAT-WORLD]

A&E Entertainment is to launch the Biography Channel and the Crime & Investigation Network in HDTV versions. The UK and Irish markets will get the high-def channels on November 5, operated by The History Channel, A&E TV Networks’ UK joint-venture partnership with BSkyB.

As dedicated HD channels, both CI HD and BIO HD will offer separate schedules from the standard definition services, with around two-thirds of each channels' programming being in native HD. “We’re passionate about HD and the benefits it brings our subscribers, and we are delighted to be able to capitalize on the success of History HD on Sky with the launch of these two great channels,” said Richard Melman, Acting MD at The History Channel UK.

“We are very excited about the launch of Crime & Investigation Network and Biography HD in the UK, marking HD service firsts for both brands outside the US,” said Sean Cohan, SVP/International, AETN. “These launches are yet another milestone reached this year by our UK joint venture, which launched the first international Military History over the summer and launched the first international History HD. We expect that CI and Bio HD will captivate viewers with great storytelling and a truly enhanced viewing experience.”

Hilary Perchard, Head of Advanced Products at Sky, added: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome CI HD and BIO HD to Sky+HD. Since launching Sky+HD the service has continued to go from strength to strength and remains the most successful HD service anywhere in Europe. We have a commitment to offer our customers the best line-up of quality HD content right across the platform. Clearly the addition of innovative channels such as CI HD and Bio HD will only serve to deliver even more value to our growing base of Sky+HD homes.”

A&E’s past model has been to speedily roll out its UK services to other markets, probably Scandinavia initially and then further across Europe.



Source: Rapid TV News