SPT Launches HD Channels Across EMEA

LONDON: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has secured a number of new launches for its general-entertainment channel AXN in HD in countries such as Poland, Spain and Italy.

AXN HD launched yesterday in Poland, with a programming lineup that includes Criminal Minds, the CSI franchise, House, Lost, NCIS: Los Angeles and Numb3rs. In Italy, the channel in HD is now available on the Sky platform. AXN Italy features such programs as Stargate: Universe, Flashpoint, Breaking Bad, Damages and Border, along with locally produced series such as Torta di Riso and Real Bagatta. Across the Iberian Peninsula, the channel features shows like Without a Trace and The Pacific. AXN HD launched in Spain on the Imagenio platform, with additional carriage on the Digital+ satellite platform. In Portugal, AXN HD is already available on pay-TV platforms such as Zon TV, MEO, Cabovisão, Vodafone and Clix TV. Plans are also in place to launch another of SPT’s channel brands, Sony Entertainment Television, in HD in Portugal and Spain later this year.

Ross Hair, the executive VP of international networks at SPT, said: “SPT has broken new ground in pay-TV viewer enjoyment with our commitment to both top-rated entertainment programming and our continued technical investment in our brands. Our loyal fans can now enjoy their favorite shows even more with these latest HD launches.”