Cable TV companies focus on HDTV
By December, about 80 percent of cable network operators plan to offer high-definition television. They also plan to use this to differentiate themselves from Bluewin TV. However, the limited availability of HD programming is a barrier.
Swiss cable TV companies are focusing on high-definition television HDTV. "We are now assuming that 70 to 80 percent of cable network companies will be offering HDTV by December 1," said Claudia Bolla-Vincenz, Managing Director of the industry association Swisscable, speaking to the media in Bern on Tuesday. The European Football Championship EURO 2008 will then provide a further boost. Another driver will be the launch of the HD Suisse HD channel by the SRG on December 1, 2007. To date, ten regional cable network operators offer high-definition television. Cablecom has announced the launch on October 1. "We are eager to offer HDTV," said Swisscable President Hajo Leutenegger. The introduction will start on a broad front from late summer. The rapid introduction of HDTV is important so that cable network operators can differentiate themselves from Swisscom's competitor Bluewin TV, said Bolla-Vincenz.
However, there are barriers due to the limited range of attractive HD programs and the low availability of HDTV-capable receivers.
According to Swisscable, the channels Sat.1-HD, Pro7, Anixe, Astra and Eurosport or the British BBC are generally available from the existing providers.
However, there are barriers due to the limited range of attractive HD programs and the low availability of HDTV-capable receivers.
According to Swisscable, the channels Sat.1-HD, Pro7, Anixe, Astra and Eurosport or the British BBC are generally available from the existing providers.
