MUMBAI: UK news broadcaster Sky News and Singapore pay TV opertaor StarHub TV have announced plans to launch Singapore’s first High Definition (HD) news channel, Sky News HD.

The channel will commence airing on StarHub TV Channel 757 on 17 January.

Viewers will find Sky News HD on StarHub TV’s Channel 757. Here they will be able to access all the benefits of HD, live video feeds from developing stories, rich graphics that enhance Sky News coverage, and real-time text analysis from Sky News specialist correspondents during live speeches and events.

StarHub VP content Sandie Lee said, “We are proud to be the first in Singapore to debut a dedicated news channel in High Definition. As the country’s leading pay TV operator, we delight in exceeding our customers’ ever-increasing expectations for quality programming. To mark the occasion, we will be offering a free preview of the channel to our World News Basic Upsize Group customers until 30 June 2012.”

As part of a premium service, the new HD channel brings together Sky News’ journalism with sharp picture quality using a widescreen format to show more details about the key stories of the day. Sky News HD is supported by HD studios and field resources, while HD graphics create an on-air look to deliver a clear, crisp and compelling television
experience for the Singaporean audience.

Sky News head John Ryley said, “Sky News HD has been a huge success and we are proud to be leading the way once more by launching Singapore’s first ever HD news channel. It is fantastic more and more viewers globally can experience the sharper picture and enhanced services Sky News HD provides.”

Fox International Channels (Fic) Singapore VP, territory head Yvonne Tay said, “Fic is a leader in the HD space in Singapore and we are proud to once again, set new benchmarks for the News channels with the launch of Sky News HD. We are pleased that Singaporeans will now be able to enjoy world-class news with better picture quality.”