MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has launched the services of its HD channels on cable networks including IndusInd Media Communications (Incable), Seven Star network in Mumbai and UCN in Central India.
ESS has signed the distribution contracts with the MSOs.
Till now, ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD were available only on DTH networks.
ESPN Software India VP – affiliate sales TS Panesar said, “We are extremely confident about the future prospects of our HD offerings and this is just a start. With the digitisation of the entire distribution industry in cable fraternity on the anvil, this deal with the leading MSOs is a harbinger of what is in store in the future.”
Incable CEO Nagesh Chhabria said, “Even though the number of subscribers of HD channels are currently low, we are confident that the base would grow at a very healthy pace. This is the future and as always, we wanted to be at the forefront.”
Seven Star director Nadir Ali added, “It is interesting to note how the industry is shaping up. We are ready with the back-end infrastructure to support and in fact are leading these new changes that are happening in the cable distribution sector. HD channels have huge potential.”
UCN Nagpur director Jagdish Paliya said, “We have always believed in giving maximum options to our consumers and the addition of ESPN HD and STAR Cricket HD is a step in that direction. India Australia tour should give a fillip to the HD subscriber base in the country.”
