Second HDTV Channel Represents the Company's Continued Commitment to Expand HDTV Offerings
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Showtime Networks will launch its second high definition television (HDTV) channel, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, on December 1, 2003. The company will transmit an East Coast feed of Showtime Networks' all movie service in the highest picture resolution format available -- 1080i -- with the original widescreen aspect ratio (16:9) to preserve theatrical presentation. The announcement, made today by Mark Greenberg, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Communications for Showtime Networks, reinforces the company's commitment to providing its premium subscribers with the highest quality home entertainment experience.
In December, HDTV titles on THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD will include "Bandits,"
"Hardball," "Novocaine," "Rollerball," "Sidewalks of New York," "What's the Worst that Could Happen?" and many others. With 75% of the service's primetime schedule offered in HD, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD will also feature Dolby Digital 5.1, offering subscribers six-channel, theater quality directional surround sound.
According to Greenberg, "THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD will be an extremely attractive service for consumers in the emerging HDTV landscape. Research indicates that movies are among the top programming choice for potential HD customers. Seven out of 10 potential buyers say that they would be more likely to purchase an HDTV set if they knew their favorite movies would be broadcast in HD. We believe that THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD will not only add significant value to our affiliates HDTV offerings but it will also provide a powerful addition to the Showtime Unlimited package."
