Washington, D.C.
(May 1, 2007) --
Starz, the premium movie channel,
today said it will launch three new High-Definition channels by
the end of summer.
Starz already has one high-def channel, a simulcast of its flagship channel, and a on-demand HD service.
The new HD channels will be east coast feeds of Starz Comedy, Starz Edge and Starz Kids & Family.
Starz did not say if any cable or satellite provider has agreed to carry the new channels. However, Starz is owned by Liberty Media, which is scheduled to take ownership of satcaster DIRECTV later this year.
With DIRECTV promising to offer 100 national HD channels by year's end, the new trio from Starz would seem to be likely additions.
"Starz has always been a leader in terms of offering our customers more ways to enjoy our great movies," said Starz COO Bill Myers said. "We pioneered in digital transmission, multiplex, on demand and online. We will now be able to offer the largest package of HD movie channels of any widely distributed programming service, and the only one featuring first-run hit movies."
Starz already has one high-def channel, a simulcast of its flagship channel, and a on-demand HD service.
The new HD channels will be east coast feeds of Starz Comedy, Starz Edge and Starz Kids & Family.
Starz did not say if any cable or satellite provider has agreed to carry the new channels. However, Starz is owned by Liberty Media, which is scheduled to take ownership of satcaster DIRECTV later this year.
With DIRECTV promising to offer 100 national HD channels by year's end, the new trio from Starz would seem to be likely additions.
"Starz has always been a leader in terms of offering our customers more ways to enjoy our great movies," said Starz COO Bill Myers said. "We pioneered in digital transmission, multiplex, on demand and online. We will now be able to offer the largest package of HD movie channels of any widely distributed programming service, and the only one featuring first-run hit movies."
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Myers said that many high-def owners are not using their sets to watch cable or satellite programming. The additional HD channels should encourage them to upgrade to high-def subscriptions, he said.
The Illusionist with Jessica Biel will be in HD on Starz.
"Our new channels meet the needs of the marketplace with movies, the top genre consumers are interested in for HD," he said.
Myers added that Starz will launch more high-def channels in the coming years.
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Myers said that many high-def owners are not using their sets to watch cable or satellite programming. The additional HD channels should encourage them to upgrade to high-def subscriptions, he said.
The Illusionist with Jessica Biel will be in HD on Starz.
"Our new channels meet the needs of the marketplace with movies, the top genre consumers are interested in for HD," he said.
Myers added that Starz will launch more high-def channels in the coming years.
Comment on this article!
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
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Phillip Swann is
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