Discovery Hd Joins Sky Hd Channel Line-up

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British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) and Discovery Networks Europe this week announced that Discovery HD will be part of the initial package of high definition channels* available on Sky’s HD service at launch.

Uniting the enhanced technology of HDTV with innovative content and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, Discovery HD is a 24-hour HD network that will bring audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and panoramic detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, engineering, science, technology and nature to travel and lifestyle themes.

Discovery HD will offer exclusive content from Discovery’s extensive worldwide library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition programming, including content commissioned specifically for the network such as Sunrise Earth and Atlas. The channel will also deliver a mix of some of Discovery’s top series and specials in addition to feature-length “HDShowcase” presentations including Leopard Son, Alien Planet, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Discovery HD will offer programming in 1080i (or the 1080i HD format), which lends itself perfectly to the type of rich, spectacular images Discovery is renowned for.

Brian Sullivan, Sky’s Director Customer Products and Services said:

“Sky HD will offer the best picture quality available and the addition of Discovery HD to the portfolio will enable viewers to be transported into the amazing environments featured on the channel. Discovery HD will complete our initial channel line up for the launch of Sky HD later this year.”

Dan Brooke, UK General Manager, Discovery Networks Europe adds:

“The universal appeal and relevance of the Discovery brand combined with the company’s extensive library of visually compelling high-definition content make Discovery HD the ultimate television-viewing experience. As the leading provider of high-definition networks in the world, we are committed to investing in HD content both regionally and across the globe.”

Discovery HD programming confirmed for launch on Sky HD includes:

• Natural History: Jeff Corwin Experience and Profiles of Nature
• Science / Engineering: Extreme engineering and 100 Greatest Scientific Discoveries
• Feature length 'HDShowcase' presentations: Leopard Son, Alien Planet, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Xtreme Martial Arts

Sky HD is on track to launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2006.
Discovery HD completes the Sky HD initial launch package that also includes: six of Sky’s wholly-owned channels:
Artsworld HD, Sky Sports HD, Sky One HD, Sky Box Office HD and two Sky Movies HD channels in addition to National Geographic HD.


About Sky HD

High Definition TV will be the biggest revolution in TV picture quality in decades.
Sky HD is on track to launch in early 2006 offering TV picture and sound that is much closer to a cinematic experience.
Sky HD will deliver, sharper, brighter more vibrant pictures, enabling viewers to become immersed in the programme as if they are part of the action or seeing nature in its true colour and detail for the first time.

In order to enjoy Sky HD consumers will need to have a compatible HDTV, a Sky HD box and the relevant Sky HD, Sky Digital and Sky+ subscriptions.
Sky estimates that almost two million HD TVs will have been sold in the UK by the end of the 2006 - Source: GFK, Forecasting based on Industry knowledge and briefings with CE Manufacturers.

An exact launch date, pricing and full box functionality will be announced in due course. Consumers can register for Sky HD in selected retailers and via www.sky.com/hd to get the opportunity to be amongst the first in the UK and Ireland to get Sky HD.

About Discovery Communications, Inc.

Discovery Communications is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers.
Discovery Networks International offers 17 television brands, reaching 670 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in 35 languages.
Discovery Communications is owned by four shareholders:
Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.

Sky HD

*The Channels

From launch Sky HD will offer a package of channels in HD including sports, movies, entertainment, arts and documentaries.
The initial channel line up will consist of:

Sky Sports HD

Live Barclays Premiership football and Guinness Premiership Rugby union are already being produced in High-Definition by Sky Sports in preparation for Sky’s HD launch in 2006.
From the start of the domestic cricket season, England’s home Tests and one-Day internationals and country matches will also be produced in HD.
Further sports and events will be announced as the service develops.

These Sky Sports HD broadcasts will let viewers experience the atmosphere and emotion from the grounds like never before with the added benefit of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Sky Movies HD

Viewers will be able to choose from two Sky Movies HD screens dedicated to films broadcast in HD, and up to ten extra movies in HD each week on Sky Box Office.

Sky Movies HD titles confirmed for launch in early 2006 will include Kill Bill: Vol 1, Spider-Man 2 and Big Fish.

Sky One will be simulcast in HD offering a selection of high quality entertainment with a range of Sky One shows and cutting edge series from the US in HD.

Sky One series confirmed for HD include 24, Rescue Me, Bones, Over There, Stargate and Stargate Atlantis.
Sky One has also commissioned a second series of Final Chance to Save filmed in HD scheduled to broadcast in 2006.

Artsworld will be simulcast in HD showing a selection of arts programming including opera, dance and classical music.

Artsworld HD performances confirmed for 2006 include The Marriage of Figaro, Othello,The Who Live at the Isle of Wight, Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight Festival (fully remastered in HD) and Anthony Minghella Directs Madam Butterfly.

Discovery HD

Delivering the ideal viewing experience, Discovery HD will bring audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and expansive detail, featuring a selection of programming from Discovery’s extensive library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition content ranging from culture, engineering, science, technology and nature to travel and lifestyle themes.

In June 2002, Discovery Communications became the first global broadcaster to offer a 24/7 high-definition network with the launch of Discovery HD Theater in the United States.
Discovery HD, the company’s international high-definition brand, launched in South Korea, Japan and Canada in 2005 and will roll out in Germany and Austria early in 2006.

National Geographic HD

An HD National Geographic channel will be available at launch offering a range of HD content including innovative factual programming, produced in the UK and around the world, covering natural history, wildlife, science and world exploration with the added benefit of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.