Discovery Launches First HD Network in Latin America
May 13, 2009
(Silver Spring, Md.) Discovery Networks International, a division of the number one nonfiction media company Discovery Communications, today announced that it is expanding its international portfolio of HD networks with the rollout of Discovery HD Theater, launching on the Sky platform in Brazil this month. Offering a 24/7 standalone schedule, Discovery HD Theater offers the highest quality nonfiction entertainment from Discovery in immersive, authentic 1080i high-definition. This is the first HD offering from Discovery to launch in Latin America, adding Brazil to the list of 30 markets worldwide where the company distributes HD services.
"The launch of our first HD network in the Latin America region underscores our commitment to providing consumers and affiliates around the world with products and content that enhance the viewing experience and are at the forefront of global entertainment trends," said Greg Ricca, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International.
Discovery HD Theater brings audiences closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and content that draws on the best of Discovery Networks programming from around the world. In Latin America, Discovery HD Theater will offer programming organized around four core genres: Travel and World Cultures; Natural History and Human Adventure; Science and Technology; and High Definition Specials, enabling viewers to enjoy acclaimed Discovery specials in high-definition including When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions, The Human Body and Discovery Project Earth.
Discovery is one of the leading global providers of HD networks with services offered in 30 markets including Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Discovery Communications was the first global broadcaster to launch a 24/7 high-definition network with Discovery HD Theater, which launched in the United States in 2002. In addition to HD Theater, the company offers HD simulcast services in the United States for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel and Planet Green.
The company distributes Discovery HD and Animal Planet HD internationally and launched its first international HD simulcast service for Discovery Channel in Japan in October 2008.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Networks International distributes 19 international brands, reaching 926 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in 35 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.