New channels confirmed for Swedish DTT | | New channels confirmed for Swedish DTT
Platform operator Boxer has confirmed the launch of a series of new channels into its extended basic package. The majority of the channels will be available in the new fifth multiplex that will go live to 50% of the population from April 2004. The new Boxer channels are BBC World, Disney Channel, Non-Stop Television and Discovery Travel and Adventure. Disney Channel will benefit from a place in one of the four established multiplexes that between them offer 90% penetration. This allows the family entertainment channel the chance to launch on February 15. Marketing manager Anders Årbrandt told Broadband TV News the launch would be accompanied by a major press and TV campaign. “It’s a huge puller for us and the market,” said Årbrandt. Boxer now has 200,000 subscribers. MTG has confirmed that it will indeed return its three channels, TV3, ZTV and TV8, to DTT. Initially the channels will transmit in the clear as part of a one-year agreement. MTG’s long-term aim is to create a rival pay package to that operated by Boxer through its Viasat distribution subsidiary. In order to comply with Swedish broadcast regulations TV3 will need to blank out commercials around children’s programmes in its DTT transmissions. Its satellite broadcasts are uplinked from the UK in order to circumvent the rules. |