TORONTO – It appears that Bell ExpressVu will be the first to carry all-high definition channel HDNet in Canada.
Cartt.ca spies (meaning people we know with ExpressVu dishes) reported seeing HDNet on their systems intermittently last week. An ExpressVu spokesperson wouldn’t confirm when the channel will go live, only to say "there’s a good chance (it’s coming), and soon."
HDNet was added to the list of eligible foreign satellite services list by the CRTC in June, three years after an application was submitted. While many assumed the channel would be quickly added to the high def lineups on cable and satellite in Canada, sources told Cartt.ca that extended disagreements on wholesale rates has so far kept the channel out of Canada.
But that will change in the coming weeks.
Owned by American multi-millionaire (and owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks) Mark Cuban, HDNet is a 1080i format channel offering original series, including music and news programs. HDNet acquires programming from several sources, including Paramount, Warner and Sony. Live HDNet sports productions include NHL games, major league soccer games, horse racing, auto racing, boxing, football and basketball games.
