Cablecom is to launch its HD television service on November 27, almost two months later than planned. As reported by Broadband TV News in June, the three-channel service comprising Sat.1 HD ProSieben HD and HD Suisse will cost a monthly SFr15 (€9.10). Anixe HD has apparently been dropped from the line-up. HD Suisse has already secured the rights to the Euro 2008 football tournament and will show the Spengler Cup hockey tournament in its first week on air. The Swiss cablenet is also extending its Internet TV service following a recent trial.
However, Cablecom is blaming the regulator Bakom for not allowing the release of channel U1 to HD services instead shopping network HSE24 will now share its analogue slot with sports channel DSF. Up to three further HD channels will be launched in the first half of 2008 when Dolby surround sound and digital Teletext will also be added to the HD box. A second box incorporating a PVR is also planned.
Cablenet is investing SFr100 million in the upgrade of its network from 606MHz to 862MHz. Two-way cable connectivity is also being introduced in many areas as part of the programme that is scheduled to run until the end of 2008.
