MediaCorp to launch high definition channel 'HD5' in Nov
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 October 2007 1715
hrs
SINGAPORE: From 11 November, MediaCorp will officially roll out its
high definition free-to-air television signal.
Called 'HD5', it is the first high definition channel in Southeast
Asia. MediaCorp also plans to broadcast in high definition across
its television platform by 2012.
Eager viewers have been flocking to a roadshow at Suntec City to
find out what HDTV has to offer.
Industry insiders said more than 10,000 households are already
getting HD signals now, mostly from subscription through SingTel's
mioTV.
Chang Long Jong, Deputy Group CEO of MediaCorp (TV), said: "We are
starting to see a lot of HD products coming into the consumer
market things like the players, games and so forth, so all these
combined makes it a very compelling drive to consumers and we are
very confident that we're going to see significant penetration of
HD in a short period of time."
Most viewers said they are convinced by the higher TV quality of
new HD-ready TVs.
But for those who have to get a set-top box to receive high
definition pictures, cost is a factor for now.
Derek Chua said: "To spend $400 or $500 more for clearer pictures
doesn't make sense to me."
"When the cost comes down further, I'll seriously consider that,"
said Moses Hoan.
MediaCorp has been testing its high definition signals since June
last year.
Some 1,000 households were teased with clearer pictures and better
sound converted or enhanced from standard resolution on their
TV sets.
Spurred by the positive responses, MediaCorp will start
broadcasting high definition programming in November.
HD5 will be a simulcast of Channel 5's programming, but only 30
percent of prime time shows will be in true HD format.
MediaCorp will produce and acquire more high definition content
within the next 18 months to increase the HD content to 50 percent
during prime time.
