Canal+ Spain is adding two new HD channels to its portfolio this autumn. Canal+ Film HD and Canal+ Sport HD will draw on programming rights held by their Spanish parent Sogecable.
The new channels are hoping to capitalise on the first mover advantage taken by Sogecable, even if it was one of the last pay-TV operators in Europe to move to the HD format. Content director Alex Martínez Roig told a Madrid press conference that 92% of subscribers with the iPlus HD PVR would recommend the device to a friend. Martínez Roig said it was the obligation of the broadcaster to “continue seducing its subscribers”.
HD coverage would be enhanced through the Uefa Champions League, the NBA and tennis. 17 tournaments have been broadcast since the start of the year and the season will culminate in December when Canal+ Sport
HD will launch in time to follow the progress of Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open.