|
 |
|
Source: www.starhub.com |
|
Singapore, through StarHub,
is the first country in Southeast Asia to launch High Definition
Television |
|
|
Singapore and StarHub have jointly scored
another first. |
|
With the much anticipated commercial launch
of StarHub¡¯s High Definition Television (HDTV) service this evening,
Singapore is now the first country in Southeast Asia to offer a
commercial HDTV service. |
|
This launch follows StarHub¡¯s successful
HDTV trial that kicked off with the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ on 10 June 2006
and ended at the close of the year. |
|
During this trial, 1000 StarHub Digital
Cable customers enjoyed all 64 World Cup matches as well as quality
programmes from Discovery and National Geographic Channel in full
high-definition (HD) splendour. |
|
With HDTV, viewers can expect up to four
times greater picture clarity. The 16:9 screen ratio will also provide a
panoramic view that can be up to 33 per cent more than what they can
enjoy on the standard 4:3 TV screen. |
|
As many HD programmes contain Dolby Digital
5.1 surround sound, viewers with a Dolby Digital Home Theatre system can
also be treated to superior audio quality, not unlike the quality
available at the cinemas. |
|
In addition to an enhanced audio and visual
experience, customers using the HD set-top box will also enjoy all
innovative features that users of StarHub¡¯s digital set-top box
currently have access to. |
|
These include the Onscreen TV Guide,
Programme Alert, Auto-Tune, Video Mosaic, Info Bar, Quick Surf, Chat,
access to Demand TV and complimentary FunZone games. |
|
"We are very excited about our HDTV
launch, and are proud that we are the first operator in Southeast
Asia to introduce the service commercially," said Mr Terry Clontz,
StarHub¡¯s President and Chief Executive Officer. |
|
"StarHub is constantly enhancing its
customers¡¯ TV viewing experience. Our introductions of Digital
Cable in 2004, Demand TV in 2005 and Smart TV in 2006 are examples
of how we give customers more control over what they watch, and
when they watch their favourite programmes. And who knows, maybe
someday we can even give customers choice on where they can view
their favourite programmes too. " |
|
With StarHub¡¯s launch of its HDTV
service, a new content group named ¡°HD Plus¡± will be introduced.
HD Plus, with a subscription fee of $15 ($15.75 with 5% GST),
comprises two new HD channels ¨C Discovery HD (Channel 302) and
National Geographic Channel HD (Channel 301). |
|
Mr Clontz added, "Discovery and
National Geographic Channel are longtime content partners of
StarHub, and both are very well-known for their production of
high-quality programmes. We know that our customers will be
delighted with the quality of the content, and with the superior
viewing experience that HDTV brings." |
|
Discovery HD Channel offers high
quality factual and lifestyle content, delivering a truly
immersive HD experience. Key genres to be showcased on the channel
include science, world culture, natural history, wildlife,
engineering, travel and lifestyle. |
|
"Discovery is once again happy to be
pioneering HD. We were the first international HD channel to
launch in Japan in 2005, and with this launch in Singapore,
Discovery HD is now available in 15 international markets and over
nine million households. Discovery is committed to providing our
viewers with the highest quality content available and Discovery
HD will deliver an audio and visual experience that is richer,
deeper and more expansive than ever before," said Mr Tom Keaveny,
Managing Director and Executive Vice President, Discovery Networks
Asia. |
|
National Geographic Channel HD brings
viewers award-winning documentary programmes, compelling stories
of unsurpassed quality and credibility that the public have come
to expect. |
|
Featuring world renowned explorers and
cutting-edge filmmakers, National Geographic Channel HD takes
viewers into the heart of the action. From science, the modern
world and investigations to lost cultures and natural history,
National Geographic Channel in high definition will bring viewers
unique insights, groundbreaking new findings and unforgettable
television experience. |
|
Mr Ward Platt, Executive Vice
President and Group Managing Director ¨C Asia Pacific, National
Geographic Channels International said, "Today is a heartwarming
moment as we witness the launch of the brand new National
Geographic Channel HD in Singapore. We congratulate Singapore and
StarHub for being the most innovative country and the first
operator in Southeast Asia to launch a commercial high-definition
television service. Singapore viewers can now truly enjoy National
Geographic Channel¡¯s unsurpassed quality programming and
compelling stories in stunning visuals and cinematic surround
sound." |
|
Consumers must subscribe to a minimum
of three Basic Groups and HD Plus, and own StarHub¡¯s HD set-top
box and a HD-ready TV set in order to enjoy StarHub¡¯s new HDTV
service. |
|
The HD set-top box is available for
purchase at $285 ($299.25 with 5% GST). To encourage more
customers to subscribe to the service, those who sign on a
12-month StarHub Digital Cable contract can own a HD set-top box
for just $95 ($99.75 with 5% GST). |
|
In addition, consumers who purchase
selected models of Samsung LCD and plasma television sets through
Samsung-appointed retailers will receive a free HD set-top box and
a 12-month subscription of HD Plus. |
|
Source: www.starhub.com
Press Release 18 Jan 2007 |
|
 |
|
Important
Notice |
|
Our FrontPage
Editions are a historical record of our Web site and reflect
the changing of the times, and also of our Web site through
time. We do not and will not update the links and stories on
these FrontPages even if they have become obsolete. |
|
FrontPage Edition: Sat 20 January 2007
All rights reserved
