High-definition television (HD TV) has become a popular way for many consumers to watch movies, TV programs and sport, and many broadcasters have started to provide HD content to their subscribers.<\/p>\n
In South Africa MultiChoice has embraced the technology and currently offers its premium bouquet subscribers three high definition channels: M-Net HD, SuperSport HD and Discovery HD.<\/p>\n
MultiChoice has also recently announced the imminent launch of its fourth HD channel, SSHD2, which will offer viewers English Premier League coverage 24 hours a day in high definition.<\/p>\n
Speaking about their plans for the high-definition format, MultiChoice said that they will look at a HD movie channel once they have enough HD movies justify a dedicated channel.<\/p>\n
HD channels are acquired in bundles of four however, explained MultiChoice, meaning that the addition of SSHD2 fills up their first group of HD channels. A high-definition channel also takes up the space of four SD channels on the satellite, they added.<\/p>\n
A Master Control Room at the MultiChoice facilities from which high-definition feeds are monitored is capable of handling eight HD broadcasts. The limitation isn’t the facility, but the satellite.<\/p>\n
The satellite serving South African television watchers is quite full, MultiChoice said, so the addition of further HD channels in the near future is unlikely.<\/p>\n
Work is currently underway to replace Intelsat 7, the satellite which currently delivers DStv to South African homes. Intelsat 7 is to be replaced by Intelsat 20. According to MultiChoice this will afford them much greater capacity for services such as HD channels.<\/p>\n
MultiChoice estimates that the satellite should be launched in the last half of 2012.<\/p>\n