YES beats HOT to HDTV

The satellite broadcaster will launch the service in December.

21 November 07 13:08, Roy Goldenberg

Satellite television broadcaster YES will commercially launch its high-definition TV (HDTV) service on December 23. The Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Co. Ltd. (TASE: BEZQ) subsidiary has completed a pilot among several dozen employees. Subscribers can already begin registering for the new service.

The HDTV package will cost NIS 39.90 per month, with a 36-month commitment. There is a one-time charge of NIS 139 for the set-top box.

YES CEO Ron Eilon predicts only 10,000 HDTV subscribers by the end of 2008, whom it defines as the first launch wave. YES invested NIS 80 million in the purchase of HDTV set-top boxes, suitable content, and launch systems.

Hot Cable Systems Media Ltd. (TASE: HOT) said in response that it plans to launch its own HDTV service in a few months. The cable operator added that it was negotiating agreements with leading channels on content.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 21, 2007

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