Dutch cable operator UPC is making HD the standard across its network by swapping all old SD media boxes for HD ones.
The cabler is also rearranging its channel liner-up with the HD version becoming the default channel in the EPG and channel list.
UPC is writing to all owners of old Thomson and Pace set-top boxes that they will receive a new HD box to replace their current one. The swap is at no additional cost to the viewer, as UPC works with a rental model.
As part of the operation, UPC is also updating the firmware of early HD cable tuners, including the Cisco 8485, Cisco 8685, Pace DCR7101, Pace DCR8111 HD PVR and Pace DCR7111.
Following the acquisition of Ziggo by Liberty Global, the company is now also streamlining the channel line-up on the two networks. With regards to analogue channels, the former UPC network will carry 30 analogue channels, while the Ziggo part will just have 25.
