Universal Networks International Expands HD To New Territories

Universal Networks International (UNI) continues demonstrating its commitment to high definition through the ongoing launches of HD channels across its portfolio of channel brands.
Earlier this month, Universal Channel HD launched in Turkey and, separately, UNI extended Universal Channel HD into Taiwan following the February launch of the channel in Malaysia. These two developments were announced by Roma Khanna, President, Universal Networks International & Digital Initiatives.
Khanna commented: "The launch of Universal Channel HD in Turkey and extension of South East Asia's Universal Channel HD into Taiwan, continues UNI's ongoing commitment to high definition as we continue to break ground in pay-TV viewer enjoyment via both top-quality content and technical investments in our channel brands, around the world."
Universal Channel HD launched in Malaysia in February on Telekom Malaysia's IPTV platform HyppTV and extended into Taiwan this month on Chunghwa Telecom's IPTV platform, MOD. Universal Channel HD in South East Asia boasts the exclusive Asian premiere of two brand new and critically acclaimed series - Law & Order: Los Angeles and the modern office comedy Outsourced, as well as other shows in the Law & Order franchise, The Event, The Office and Flashpoint. In Asia, Universal Channel HD is also available in Japan on SkyPerfect and KCAT.
The HD launches in South East Asia, coupled with the Universal Channel HD launch in Turkey, on the D-Smart platform, continue UNI's momentum of launching HD channels for core brands - currently reaching over 40 territories.
In the final months of 2010, Syfy Universal HD launched in Germany on Kabel Deutschland, Kabel BW, Unitymedia and via IPTV with T-Home, in addition to Cablecom in Switzerland and UPC in Austria.
Syfy HD viewers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria are now able to maximise their enjoyment of True Blood, Stargate Universe, Sanctuary and many other popular series.
Across the Iberian Peninsula, 13th Street Universal HD - which is preparing to premiere Fairly Legal, a UNI co-production, and the acclaimed US series Harry's Law this spring - launched in Spain on the Digital+ satellite platform in September 2010. Syfy Universal HD is available in Portugal on MEO and plans are in place to launch Syfy Universal HD in Spain during 2011.
In Latin America, Universal Channel HD was successfully launched in November 2010, heightening the viewing experience across the region for fans of House, Law & Order: Los Angeles and The Good Wife. Universal Channel HD is available pan-regionally on Directv, Cablevision Argentina and VTR Chile, among many others. The standard definition Universal Channel is extremely popular in Latin America, consistently ranked as a top-five pay-TV channel across the region.
In the UK, Universal Channel HD launched in June 2010, joining Syfy HD on the Sky and Virgin Media platforms. Both platforms have reported significant growth to HD services in the past 12 months, with Sky's HD customer base growing to 3.5 million and Virgin Media's to 1.5 million.
Meanwhile, in France where UNI launched its first-ever HD services in 2007, viewers of 13th Street Universal and Syfy Universal enjoy the high definition channels on CanalSat. The standard definition versions of both channels were consistently ranked amongst the top10 pay-TV channels in France throughout 2010.
The channels boast exclusive series such as Rookie Blue, Law & Order, Heroes, Warehouse 13, Sanctuary and Haven. HD channels for both brands have also been launched on Naxoo in Switzerland and in Monaco on Monaco Telecom.
UNI plans further HD launches for other markets in 2011.
(KMcA/GK)