Singapore - MediaCorp's HD channel - HD5 - lifts off

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

SINGAPORE — MediaCorp today announced the official launch of its High Definition (HD) channel – HD5 – from Sunday, 11 November 2007.

HD5 is a simulcast of Channel 5, MediaCorp TV’s flagship English channel. A free-to-air channel, HD5 will also be available on SingTel’s mioTV service.

Says Mr Chang Long Jong, MediaCorp Deputy CEO (Television), “Since we commenced our HDTV trials last year we have received many queries from the public about the official launch of HDTV on MediaCorp’s channels. With HD5, Singapore viewers will experience better picture and sound quality while enjoying a greater choice of HD content on another (free-to-air) platform.

About 30% of HD5’s content on primetime will be in Native HD format. The remaining programmes are “upconverted” or optimically enhanced for better clarity on HD-Ready display sets. Native HD programmes on HD5 include blockbuster movies and international drama series such as Heroes, CSI Miami and Supernatural. Local English productions include Lifestory 2, MakanSutra and Lifeline 2 (see attached for the full programme line-up).

MediaCorp plans to broadcast all its channels in High Definition by 2012.