Shadow
04-08-2010, 14:20
ITV's spin-off channels will launch HD versions on Sky and other pay-TV services from later this year.
ITV2 HD will launch in October, followed by ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD, as part of a five-year strategy to broaden the broadcaster's income beyond advertising.
The new channels will initially be exclusive to Sky, but chief executive Adam Crozier said ITV is in talks with other pay-TV providers, including Virgin Media.
It's not clear for how long the standard-definition versions of the channels will remain free-to-air.
Crozier added: 'For the past decade ITV has not faced up to the challenges presented by the rise of internet-based platforms, the continuing growth of pay TV and subscription services and the globalisation of content.'
Advertising income for ITV grew by 18 per cent in the first half of this yea, buyt the company still relies on ads for 74 per cent of its total income.
A £75m fund will be set up to assist with the HD upgrades and to develop online as well as making new content.
ITV2 HD will feature hi-def updates to The Xtra Factor, the various Jordan-related reality shows, and other in-house productions, plus its US imports. It also has Champions' League football, which is already made in HD.
ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD will invest in converting the high quality 35mm film prints of many classic drama serials into HD - although it's less clear what can be done with the 1980s and 1990s shows made and archived on video.
Both channels can also draw on films and imported shows from the US to bolster their hi-def schedules.
PS I'll eat my hat (http://www.cardshare.tv/news/itv-pay-tv-rumour-fuels-medias-imagination-02-08-10) now, then.
More... (http://wotsat.techradar.com/news/itv-launch-three-hd-spin-offs-sky-03-08-10)
ITV2 HD will launch in October, followed by ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD, as part of a five-year strategy to broaden the broadcaster's income beyond advertising.
The new channels will initially be exclusive to Sky, but chief executive Adam Crozier said ITV is in talks with other pay-TV providers, including Virgin Media.
It's not clear for how long the standard-definition versions of the channels will remain free-to-air.
Crozier added: 'For the past decade ITV has not faced up to the challenges presented by the rise of internet-based platforms, the continuing growth of pay TV and subscription services and the globalisation of content.'
Advertising income for ITV grew by 18 per cent in the first half of this yea, buyt the company still relies on ads for 74 per cent of its total income.
A £75m fund will be set up to assist with the HD upgrades and to develop online as well as making new content.
ITV2 HD will feature hi-def updates to The Xtra Factor, the various Jordan-related reality shows, and other in-house productions, plus its US imports. It also has Champions' League football, which is already made in HD.
ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD will invest in converting the high quality 35mm film prints of many classic drama serials into HD - although it's less clear what can be done with the 1980s and 1990s shows made and archived on video.
Both channels can also draw on films and imported shows from the US to bolster their hi-def schedules.
PS I'll eat my hat (http://www.cardshare.tv/news/itv-pay-tv-rumour-fuels-medias-imagination-02-08-10) now, then.
More... (http://wotsat.techradar.com/news/itv-launch-three-hd-spin-offs-sky-03-08-10)