Year-End Target for HDTV in Singapore

MediaCorp plans to launch its HDTV commercial channel, HD 5, in late 2007. The move would make MediaCorp the first broadcaster in Southeast Asia to roll out an HDTV channel on the terrestrial platform.

Since June 2006, MediaCorp had conducted an HDTV trial nationwide, bringing HD programmes to 1,000 households, community clubs and retail outlets across Singapore.

"Our decision to launch an HD channel this year is based on the very favourable feedback received from our trial users. We hope to offer our viewers the ultimate TV viewing experience harnessing the latest technologies in visual and sound," stated MediaCorp Deputy CEO (Television) Chang Long Jong in a press release.

HD 5 will simulcast MediaCorp's Channel 5 with programmes enhanced for display on HD TV sets. Programming produced in HD, both locally and from abroad, will also be carried on HD 5.

MediaCorp plans to broadcast all its channels in high definition by 2012.