MIPTV 2010 – CANNES. Food Network HD will launch May 1 on the Orbit-Showtime Network, according to Greg Moyer, president of Scripps Networks International.
The channel will be played out from the Digital Media Centre facility operated in Amsterdam by Scripps’ partner Chellomedia. The agreement with OSN is hopefully the first of many, Moyer added.
Food Network SD is getting amazing ratings since it launched last November in the UK, says Moyer. So far, the channel has no distribution in continental Europe, but Scripps hopes to announce one or more Benelux carriage contracts in the near future. “The ability to tap our substantial library of quality high-definition lifestyle programming is an important driver of distribution for Food Network, especially in EMEA markets.”
Food Network’s HD schedule will showcase series from internationally-renowned chefs, including Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Paula Deen’s Paula’s Best Dishes, alongside episodes of the popular entertainment shows Unwrapped and Chopped.
Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, Chief Executive Officer of Orbit Showtime Network, said; “Having Food Network available on HD will provide the ultimate TV experience for the region as well as for OSN. It really marks us out as forerunners in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing programming the way they are meant to be watched – in High Definition – and we’re proud to be leading the way.”
A standard-definition feed of Food Network, launched in February, is available in more than 10 million EMEA households. Over the past few weeks, Scripps and Chellozone have announced a number of new distribution contracts for the Fine Living Network, which is set to replace Zone Club in the EMEA region.
About Robert Briel
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.