Nova to offer HD satellite TV in Greece with Pace

High definition TV entertainment for all, exclusively from Nova

Nova, the first TV platform that started offering high quality content via digital satellite transmission in Greece ten years ago, is again the first to bring the new TV broadcasting generation, namely HD-High Definition.

Nova is yet again a pioneer at the forefront of developments in the television sector. At a press conference that took place on Thursday 10 June 2010, the country’s first digital television presented its strategy and commercial policy for the Nova High Definition (HD) service, which will be available as of August 2010.

While transition from terrestrial analogue to terrestrial digital transmission has only just tentatively begun in Greece, Nova is taking the next step and presenting a complete high quality TV package, in High Definition. Nova’s HD package covers the television needs of all family members in terms of new films, contemporary series and high interest sports events, and will initially include 3 channels:

• As of September 2010, the novacinema HD channel will broadcast the greatest movie hits produced by major foreign programme suppliers (HBO, Lionsgate) and all distributors in Greece (Odeon, Village, AudioVisual, Spentzos, Hollywood Entertainment).
• The novasports HD channel will broadcast at least one Superleague game for each week of the championship, produced by Nova. In addition, it will include selected games from the European football championships and the European Champions League and Europa League events, selected NBA, Basketball, Volleyball, Polo, GT1 International Championship games, and other sports.
• The Nova high resolution package is completed by Eurosport HD, the largest European HD sports channel that broadcasts more than 100 different sports. For example: Australian Open, French Open, US Open, Tour de France, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, ATP Tour, Athletics European Championships, FIA WTCC, FIA Formula2 Championship, Superbike World Championship, Supersport World Championship, Snooker, Golf.

High Definition TV technology offers up to five times higher resolution compared to analogue technology and the Standard Definition digital signal. With HD, the image and sound are so clear that the TV is more like a window to the outside world rather than the regular screen we know today.

During the press conference, the new technology was presented in detail, together with the new Nova Box HD, selected by Nova and produced by Pace plc (LSE: PIC), the largest manufacturer in the world. This is a high-specification, state-of-the-art High Definition MPEG-4 decoder, which offers HD (MPEG4 1920 x 1080i), Dolby Digital (surround AC-3) sound, DVB-S2, VOD, internet access (Ethernet), USB and HDMI ports and 320GB (PVR) disc compatibility.

Moreover, the entry of Nova into the HD world was celebrated with video-statements by Jeffrey Schlesinger, President of Warner Bros International Television, Belinda Menendez, President of International Television NBC Universal, Ben Pyne, President of Global Distribution Disney Media Networks, Hal Richardson, President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Jim Giannopoulos President & Chief Executive Officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Paul Molnar, Premier League Media Operations Manager, Oliver Duss, TEAM TV Sales Manager and Patrick Komninos, General Manager of Superleague Greece, representatives of the largest film production studios in America and the largest football organizations, who underlined the advantages offered to the viewing public by HD transmission.

Finally, Benjamin Deshayes, Regional Director Central and Southern Europe of Eurosport, was present at the press conference and addressed the participants.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forthnet Group (ATHEX: FORTH), Mr Panos Papadopoulos, commenting on the developments, stated: “The development and provision of the best telecommunications and entertainment services at an affordable cost is the only solution for us, particularly at this economically challenging time for the average Greek family. For 10 years, Nova has been offering the best home entertainment package for everyone and will continue to do so in the future.”