Channel 1 will launch HDTV service, already available on cable and satellite television, on Idan+ terrestrial television service from April, ahead of the 2014 World Cup. The upgrade means that viewers who are not Hot Telecommunication Systems Ltd. (TASE: HOT.B1) or DBS Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. (YES) subscribers will be able to see matches broadcast from Brazil in high definition.
The Idan+ digital television set-top box airs six channels: Israel Broadcasting Authority's (IBA) Channel 1 and Channel 33, Education Channel 23, commercial stations Channel 2 and Channel 10, and the Knesset Channel 99 for free.
Channel 1 aired matches on HDTV during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. These broadcasts helped the station consolidate HD broadcasts, and prompted the government to inject capital into the IBA to upgrade its technology. Channel 1, which fears closure, seeks to leverage the World Cup to improve its position in the eyes of the public and decision-makers.
Channel 1, as a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has the right to air all 64 World Cup games between June 12 and July 13 at a reduced rate. It is not yet clear how it will air simultaneous matches. Minister of Communications Gilad Erdan has asked Channel 1 to air the games on open channels, and not to sell them to for-pay sports channels. It may air simultaneous matches on IBA's second channel, Channel 33.
IBA has declined to respond to the report.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 29, 2014
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