Hong Kong – CABLE TV will launch HDTV services on 18 August 2009, focusing initially on sports programmes. The new service comprises three channels – a 24-hour HD channel on channel 201 and a round-the-clock premium channel All Sports Network, ASN HD (Channel 211); soccer matches or sports events taking place at the same time will be carried live in HD on channel 202. These new HD channels (hd201 and hd202) will feature a wide range of top sports actions, including Live telecast of UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, German Bundesliga and prestigious PGA golf tournaments, together with comprehensive top-notch North-American sports events from ASN. The flagship HD Channel 201 will commence broadcasting on August 18, at 11 pm. for the LIVE carriage of Playoff, first leg matches of UEFA Champions League. With the launch of the HD channels, CABLE TV becomes the first television station in Hong Kong to broadcast in HD format the UEFA Champions League, for which it holds exclusive rights for the three seasons spanning 2009-2012. Vincent Cheung, vice president, Hong Kong Cable Television Ltd. said, “The new service is introduced at this time to capture increasing market demand, with the wider proliferation of HD television equipment, the expanded availability of HD programming supply and increasing customer acceptance.” Regular monthly fee for the new HD channels on channel 201 and channel 202 for Cable Basic Service subscribers is set at HK$50 a month, with rental for the HD Set Top Box (STB) at HK$30 per month, and an additional monthly fee of HK$20 for ASN HD, a premium channel.