Swiss television launches high-definition TV channel

 On Monday, Swiss television launched its new four-language high-definition channel HD Suisse. The channel offers television at the cutting edge of technological development. HD suisse broadcasts in widescreen format, with surround sound and a picture resolution almost five times higher than conventional television channels. The new channel will give broadcasters the opportunity to gradually prepare for the routine broadcasting of their programs in HD quality in 2012, according to a press release. The channel currently offers a potpourri program made up of parts of all SRG channels. This includes live sport, events, top programs and additional international HD productions. The primetime offerings between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. vary thematically depending on the day of the week: Documentaries on Monday, TSR offerings on Tuesday, TSI on Wednesday and SF and TvR on Thursday. Concerts and operas are on the program on Friday, feature films and series at the weekend. The first highlight of the HD suisse program offering will be the broadcast of the Spengler Cup at the end of December. Next year, the focus will be on broadcasting the Euro 08 matches.
The technical requirements for receiving HB suisse are an HD-capable television with an integrated or external HD receiver (set-top box). HD suisse can only be received digitally via satellite and cable.
Most of the approximately 250 Swiss cable TV companies are now distributing the new channel via their networks. This means that more than two million households across the country can already receive television in high-definition quality, the association Swisscable announced in a press release on Monday. In addition to HD suisse, most cable TV companies offer the programs Sat.1 HD, Pro7 HD, Anixe HD and Astra HD. Further channels are to be switched on as soon as they are available.