
TORONTO – Rogers Digital will be the first carrier to offer MHD, a dedicated high-definition classics movie channel from Astral Media.
MHD will offer select HD simulcasts of programming from The Movie Network’s classics movie channels Mpix and Mescape.
Programming on MHD consists of films five years or older ranging from Mpix’s suspense, thriller and action-packed movies to the quality drama and light-hearted entertainment found on Mescape. MHD is currently available at no additional cost in an uncut and commercial-free environment to Rogers Digital Cable subscribers in eastern Canada.
“As the first high-definition classics movie channel in Canada, the launch of MHD further reinforces The Movie Network’s leadership position in offering the latest television technology together with the best programming,” said Kevin Wright, senior vice-president programming, Astral Television Networks, in the press release. “With the audio and visual quality of high-definition, classic favourites such as Titanic will be transformed, providing viewers with a new and unique viewing experience.”
In addition to the HD premiere of Titanic, in January 2006, the service will also air classics such as Roman Holiday, Black Sunday, Event Horizon, Hud, The Pink Panther, The Odd Couple and the Karate Kid trilogy.
MHD marks the second dedicated HD channel for The Movie Network following the launch of The Movie Network HD (TMNHD) on May 1, 2005.