Sydney – Without fanfare, Australia’s Seven Network launched 7HD on Oct. 15, the first dedicated HD channel from a commercial broadcaster. In the first phase of the roll out ahead of a ‘full-strength’ service in a few weeks, the digital channel is focusing on late-night and weekend programming. The first night saw the network premiere of the movie 25th Hour, and other first-release movies such as Solaris, I Love You, Don’t Touch Me!, Never Die Alone and I Heart Huckabees are being screened on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. On Tuesday and Thursday, 7HD is airing the first run of US high-def series The Grid. During weekend daytime, the channel is featuring children’s and family programming via its output deal with The Walt Disney Company. Also, Seven HD is simulcasting some programming such as Murder Squad and the movie Carrie with its flagship channel. “Our introduction of a nightly two hour channel and different programs across weekend daytime complementing our primary Seven channel is the first step towards a second Channel Seven before Christmas and a third Channel Seven in the coming fifteen months,” said Seven Media Group Chief Executive David Leckie