Hong Kong, 31 May 2006 -National Geographic Channel Asia today announce that it is now ready to roll out its premium 24-hour high-definition channel in Asia after successful introductions in the United States and United Kingdom. The high-definition channel will next be introduced in Italy and France later this year. In Japan, National Geographic Channel has a block airing on the FOX HD channel.
National Geographic Channel with its pan-regional headquarters based in Hong Kong has been looking at options to introduce the high-definition channel in Asia, particularly in markets that have invested in HD transmission and equipment such as Hong Kong and Singapore. The Channel currently has one of the world's largest collection of documentary programmes, ranging from wildlife to modern science. Reputed for its compelling and breathtaking images, the channel strives to provide viewers with smart and innovative programming - inviting viewers to re-think the way they see television and the world. The high-definition channel will greatly heighten viewers' experience and they will be able to view and hear the world, like never before.
"Watching National Geographic Channel in high-definition will change the way you watch television. The highly engaging and surreal effects will bring you right into another dimension," says David Gunson, Senior Vice President of Broadcasting, National Geographic Channel Asia (Hong Kong).
National Geographic Channel Asia's effort in high-definition is further boosted by the presence of its Singapore production headquarters. The production outfit established since year 2000 has been producing standard-definition as well as high-definition documentaries made by Asian filmmakers for global viewing.
"Since National Geographic Channel took the lead in commissioning documentaries in high-definition out of Singapore, it is extremely encouraging to see the growth in producers now looking to make programmes in this increasingly important format. HD shows like" Singapore: The World's Busiest Port" have attracted huge audiences around the world and has been successfully sold into terrestrial markets in the UK and Europe and to Cable and Satellite in the US.
As the capability in Singapore for 5.1 surround sound mixing for High Definition programming comes on line, I don't see the reason why Singapore should not become the regional hub for HD production." says Bryan Smith, Executive Vice President of Productions, National Geographic Channels International (Singapore).
Earlier this month, National Geographic Channel unveiled the on-air look for its dedicated HD channel. The complete National Geographic Channel HD on-air package is now available to view at: www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/hd.
National Geographic Channel
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F), FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT&F and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in over 290 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries and 27 languages.
For more information, please contact
Jenny Yip, Marketing Manager
National Geographic Channel Asia (Hong Kong)
Tel: +852 2621 8607 (DID)
Email: jennyyip@ngcasia.com
Angie Tan, Marketing Executive
National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore)
Tel: +65 6325 3821 (DID), +65 9696 2933 (Mobile)
Email: angiet@ngcasia.com
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