Headline, Industry News

Bell adds HDNet

TORONTO, Ontario, Nov. 7 /CNW Telbec/ – Bell Canada today announced the addition of HDNet®, a television network that broadcasts all of its programming in 1080i high definition, to an already strong selection of quality HD programming from Express Vu™ including sports, news and entertainment programs, pay-per-view and specialty programming such as La Job and Free Vu™ Concert Series, available in HD.

"Bell continues to focus on delivering the ultimate client experience by offering the very best quality, content and control," said Pat Button, Vice President Marketing, Bell ExpressVu. "With 50 HD channels and counting – and seven of those in glorious 24/7 HD – ExpressVu offers the ultimate in HD programming and HDNet will be extremely popular with Canadian HD viewers.

Coupled with the simplicity of our All-in-One digital TV service and our leading HD receivers, we’re changing the way Canadians experience television."
"We’re thrilled to be launching HDNet in Canada through ExpressVu digital TV from Bell," said Mark Cuban Chairman and Co-founder of HDNet. "This launch means that Canadian viewers will now see the highest quality HD programming available, including original programming, investigative news, great original movies and hard hitting sports."

Launched as the first all-HD channel in 2001 by co-founders Mark Cuban and Philip Garvin, HDNet produces and airs more original high definition content than any other network including news, entertainment and sports programming. Available on channel 814, ExpressVu clients coast to coast can now enjoy the following programming on HDNet:

Goundbreaking originals such as HDNet World Report, Dan Rather Reports,True Music w/Katie Daryl, HDNet Concert Series, Get Out!, Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone, Art Mann Presents …, Deadline!, Higher Definition and Sound Off with Matt Pinfield.

Sports fans can also catch live Major League Soccer games, HDNet Boxing, and WEC Cagefighting.
"Building on the momentum generated by the recent launch of four new French HD channels, HDNet is helping ExpressVu pull away from the competition," said Nicolas Gaudreau, Vice President, Quebec Marketing and

Integrated Markets.

"The addition of our seventh 24/7 HD channel to our programming portfolio is yet another example of how Bell is delivering the best in quality content and helping Canadians experience the future – today." Recent additions to the expansive HD line-up of ExpressVu include:
-  Discovery HD
-  Oasis HD
-  Treasure HD
-  Rush HD
-  Equator HD
-  A&E HD
-  TMN HD
-  Canal D HD
-  Séries+ HD
-  Super Ecran HD
-  Canal Vie HD

Moving to HD content has also been made easier by ExpressVu. Clients looking for the best visual experience can now access next generation digital TV services which simplify the process of going HD by offering a one-stop opportunity to obtain hardware, programming and installation in four simple and easy-to-understand All-In-One packages, in addition to free basic professional installation of up to four TVs for new customers.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming. HDNet is your exclusive, high-definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming including television’s only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report", "NASA on HDNet" (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010), and,

beginning in November, "Dan Rather Reports". HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring Major League Soccer, boxing and Mixed Martial Arts including World Extreme Cagefighting; groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including Sheryl Crow, Eminem, Gorillaz and more, plus original music programs "Sound Off with Matt Pinfield", True Music w/Katie Daryl" and "On Stage at World Cafe Live";

entertaining interview shows including "Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone" and "Higher Definition", in addition to fun and irreverent lifestyle programming

including "Deadline!", "Art Mann Presents", and "Get Out!" HDNet was launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin. For more information

visit www.hd.net.