TV Norge is to launch an HD version on October 3, becoming the first dedicated HD channel for Norway. Carriage has been secured on the Canal Digital DTH and cable platforms.
TV Norge HD will be a simulcast of the mother channel, broadcasting CSI, Rome, The Closer, Nigel Marven’s Artic Exposure, Big Bang Theory and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in the HD format and upconverting the remainder of the schedule. It is hoped to originate some local Norwegian productions in HD during 2009.
“Much of our content is available in the HD format, so it’s high time that viewers got the full enjoyment out of their technology investment,” said TV Norge CEO Morten Ass.
Canal Digital Norway managing director Svein Erik Davidsen said 40% of those viewing coverage of the recent Euro 2008 football competition had seen HD for the first time and did not want to return to SD broadcasts.
TV Norge’s owners SBS Broadcasting have already launched an HD version of Danish sister station Kanal 5.
