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For immediate release
MEDIA RELEASE
MediaCorp rolls out High-Definition TV trial
- First in Southeast Asia to launch HDTV trial on terrestrial platform -
Singapore, 16 June 2006 – MediaCorp will launch its HDTV trial on 18 June 2006 on its new terrestrial Channel 38, with the screening of the Hollywood blockbuster, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The trial will involve 1000 households, community clubs, libraries and retail outlets.
During the 6-month trial, users will get to experience an average of 14 hours of HD content per week during the prime time hours of 7pm and 11pm. These comprise popular acquired programmes such as CSI, Smallville, The OC, as well as locally produced programmes. Additionally, programmes from Channel 5 will be up-converted to HD format for viewing during the prime time hours.
Trial users will also be in for a treat as MediaCorp brings the best of the World Cup matches (Semi-Finals on 5 & 6 July 2006 and the Finals on 10 July 2006 local time) 'live' in HD.
Says Mr Chang Long Jong, MediaCorp Deputy Group CEO (Television), "As part of the Media Development Authority’s initiatives to speed up the deployment and adoption of HD technology, MediaCorp is pleased to be the first in Southeast Asia to launch a terrestrial trial to offer better quality and wider choice of services to our viewers, while allowing us to explore viable business opportunities harnessing digital technology".
"As the media industry makes the transition to digital technology, MediaCorp will need to invest heavily in new equipment, facilities and skills to produce local shows in HD. The results of the trial will help determine the viability and direction of HDTV over the free-to-air platform".
Says Mr Tay Joo Thong, MediaCorp Group Chief Technology Officer, "The trial period of 6 months is necessary as one of the challenges is to ensure that the new technology of MPEG4 AVC to be tested in the trial is stable and has better quality than the older MPEG2 technology. Another challenge is to gauge terrestrial reception in homes which require roof-top or indoor antenna".
Issued by Group Communications, MediaCorp
For more information, please contact:
Clarence Pong
Senior Manager
Group Communications
Tel: (65) 6350 3343
Fax: (65) 6251 5628
E-mail: clarencepong@mediacorp.com.sg
About MediaCorp
With 70 years of radio (1936) and 43 years of television (1963) experience, MediaCorp features prominently in the development of Singapore's broadcasting history.
As Singapore’s largest broadcaster, MediaCorp offers a complete range of media businesses: TV, Radio, Entertainment Productions, Movie Productions, Newspapers, Magazines, Electronic Media and other broadcasting services. It is committed to service excellence in the media industry and to remaining as The Choice in Singapore and the region.
For more information, please visit www.mediacorp.com.sg
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