MBC HD Channels Join Abu Dhabi TV Network

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi TV Network has added seven new channels from the Dubai-based MBC Group.

AD Sports set-top box subscribers gain access to MBC 1, MBC 2, MBC 4, MBC Drama, MBC Action, MBC Max and Al Arabiya news channel, all in high definition. The partnership also includes AD Sports’ exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights on MBC 1 and Al Arabiya. The AD Sports set-top box already offers all 380 Barclays Premier League games and other live international sporting events. The service now has 18 HD channels, including Fox Movies HD, Fox HD, Sky News HD, Nat Geo Wild HD and Nat Geo Adventure HD.

Malcolm Wall, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Media, explained: "Our partnership with MBC reinforces our commitment to provide viewers with the best in world-class HDTV content across genres. Now, with the ADTV Network, the entire family can view their favorite programming in just one place through our AD Sports set-top box."

MBC Group’s CEO, Sam Barnett, said: "HD is becoming increasingly popular across the region and MBC channels have a large following. We’re delighted that through this partnership, people with an AD Sports set-top box will be able to watch the MBC HD bouquet of channels."

Mohammed Windawee, the director of distribution at MBC Group, added: "Adding MBC HD bouquet to the AD Sports package is another milestone for MBC Group to push a total HD shift in the Middle East, and we have seen the shift happening quicker than we originally anticipated. We expect the total shift from SD to HD to take place at a similar pace."