The French MSO Numericable will launch the i-concerts HD TV channel in spring this year. The Swiss based 24/7 music channel claims to be the only HD music channel in Europe to offer non-stop programming produced exclusively in the format. The agreement marks the first time that the channel will be available to European cable subscribers. i-concerts HD is currently available to viewers in France via Free and Neuf telecom IPTV networks, whilst the i-concerts VOD music service continues to expand across numerous IPTV platforms such as Free, Swisscom,and Rosmedia. i-concert’s offer on Numericable will combine the HDTV channel with the i-concerts VOD library, allowing consumers to navigate between the linear and interactive TV experience with a click of a button. The channel has a programming output of approximately 250 hours of HD content scheduled for 2008. Commenting on the deal, Olivier Gerolami, COO of Numericable, said in a prepared statement: “By adding i-concerts to the existing HD channels on our network, we are moving forward into the next generation TV. Our subscribers now have one of the most comprehensive selections of HD programmes in Europe, with the best quality available. i-concerts will be broadcast on Numericable with a rate of up to 13Mbps, whereas ASDL technology usually provides HD channels at a lower level of bandwidth with an average of 5Mbps. ” Editors note: late last year TMF HD launched on the Interkabel In-Di digital network with 24 hours HD music programming.
About Robert Briel
Arnhem-based Robert covers the Benelux, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as IPTV, web TV, connected TV and OTT. Email Robert at rbriel@broadbandtvnews.com.