ESPN Star Sports Announce Launch of HD Channels

ESPN STAR Sports has announced the launch of ESPN HD & STAR Cricket HD, cough | India’s first 24×7 High Definition sports channels, ahead of the start of the highly-anticipated test match series between England and India which begins on Thursday.

ESPN HD & Star Cricket HD will showcase ESS’ line-up of international sporting events including cricket, soccer, tennis, golf and motor sports among others.

India’s tour of England starting 21 July will be the first premier event to be showcased live on STAR Cricket HD to be followed by other premier events such as the Champions LeagueT20 and India’s tour of Australia.

ESPN HD will showcase F1 action from the Hungarian Grand Prix, GP2 Series and other events such as the US Senior Open Golf and Major League Baseball in the month of July to be followed next month with the start of the highly anticipated 2011-2012 season of the Barclays Premier League.

Speaking on the strategic importance of the launch of HD networks, ESPN Star Sports MD Manu Sawhney said: “We see huge potential for the HD channels in India and have received a very positive and encouraging response from advertisers and platform operators as we continue to set new industry benchmarks.

“We have a very exciting calendar of events ahead of us and with the launch of these two 24×7 High Definition sports networks, Indian sports fans can look forward to a completely new way of enjoying sports.”

With the introduction of two new channels, ESS has expanded its bouquet to five channels in India – ESPN, Star Cricket, Star Sports, ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD.

Zee Group owned Taj Television has also announced plans to launch an HD channel, Ten Sports HD, which will showcase best of content from the all the network channels.