NEW YORK – Popular U.S. cable channel A&E will launch a high definition simulcast network on Labour Day Weekend.
"We certainly have plans to bring it to Canada," AETN executive vice-president of distribution David Zagin told www.cartt.ca on Monday. "We’re talking to our affiliates in Canada right now and there’s a lot of interest.
The new HD net will actually begin in June in a preview mode, with the full launch coming during the debut of CSI: Miami on A&E, which will launch with a three-day marathon planned for the long weekend in September, said Zagin.
At launch, about 65% of the channel’s content will be true HD, with the rest being upconverted. "Within 18 months, 90% of our prime time lineup will be in HD," added Zagin.
– Greg O’Brien
