Cablecom has announced plans to launch HD services starting on October 1. The Swiss cable operator said there would be an initial three-channel package comprising the German channels Sat.1 HD ProSieben HD and Anixe HD. On December 1, the channels will be joined by the new HD suisse channel from the public broadcaster SRG. HD Suisse has already secured the rights to the Euro 2008 football tournament that will be screened.
The launch of the HD service means that Cablecom will switch off two more analogue channels, U1 TV and HSE 24 will disappear at the end of August and November respectively.
There are also plans for an October launch of an HD service in French speaking areas in partnership with DigiTV.
Cablecom customers will lease their HD receiver at a monthly cost of SFr15 (€9.03). From the first quarter on 2008 it is hoped that a DVR version will also be available.
