Discovery launches in Taiwan on new TV digital service

Thursday, 04 June 2009 10:07

Taipei, June 29 2009 - Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP), a division of the number-one nonfiction media company Discovery Communications, and Taiwan Fixed Network (TFN), the cable operator under TWN Broadband, recently announced the launch of a 24-hour Discovery HD channel in Taiwan along with Discovery Science, Discovery Home & Health, and Discovery Turbo as part of New TV digital service.

Tommy Lin, senior vice president and general manager – North Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery is delighted to be further expanding our services in Taiwan and offering our audiences here with more options and high-quality entertainment we are known for. Each channel provides our viewers with the best nonfiction content there is - whether you're watching it in spectacular detail through the technologies of high-definition, or learning something new about science.”

Harvery Chang, president and chief executive office, TWN Broadband, said “We have aggressively expanded the entertainment portion of our business and have become the leader of digital convergence in Taiwan. The launch of “New TV” will not only bring about brand new entertainment experiences for Taiwanese viewers, but will also help with advancements in the convergence of digital media content and communications industries. Discovery is very popular in Taiwan and we believe that their high quality content will help New TV gain new ground in the digital entertainment platform.”

The Discovery Package, comprising the four channels is priced at NT$200 per month. A HD package (comprising Discovery HD and other high-definition channels) is also available at the same price.

ABOUT THE CHANNELS

Discovery HD

Discovery HD is the only global high-definition television network offering factual and lifestyle entertainment that fulfills the promise of high-definition technology. Delivering the ideal viewing experience, Discovery HD brings audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and expansive detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, science and natural history to travel and lifestyle themes. Discovery’s HD programming is offered in 1080i, which offers superior definition and lends itself perfectly to the type of rich, spectacular images Discovery is renowned for. Discovery’s HD services are available in 31 markets including the United States. In Asia-Pacific, Discovery’s HD services are available in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, reaching more than 1.4 million households.

Discovery Science

Discovery Science is the only network devoted entirely to the wonders of science, including in-depth coverage of breaking and current science news. The network explores science’s past, present and future. From the distant corners of the cosmos to the essential microscopic foundations of life and the science of survival in extreme environments, no topic is too big or small for Discovery Science. In Asia-Pacific, Discovery Science reaches more than 4 million households.

Discovery Home & Health

Discovery Home & Health is an empowering network for women who strive to be the very best they can be in all the many demanding roles they play. From fashion to fitness and fertility, Discovery Home & Health reflects and encourages women aged 18-45 by providing relevant and practical lifestyle entertainment that enriches viewers’ lives by focusing on personal experiences and practical advice for greater enjoyment of life. Discovery Home & Health reaches more than 2.3 million subscribers in Asia-Pacific.

Discovery Turbo

Discovery Turbo is a unique channel dedicated to all things motored. Offering adrenaline-fuelled entertainment for those who love the thrill of speed, Discovery Turbo brings viewers along for the ride to experience the most exciting vehicles on earth. From cars, trucks and motorbikes to planes, trains and everything in between, Discovery Turbo celebrates all aspects of speed by covering a range of inspirational and practical topics including the history, science and engineering of everything motored; car, boat, bike and air shows; Formula One racing; DIY; car clubs and motoring trends. Discovery Turbo is currently available to more than 850,000 households in Asia-Pacific.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia-Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 442 million cumulative subscribers in 32 countries with programming customized in 10 languages.

About TWM Broadband

TWM Broadband is an all-new brand that integrates the resources of Taiwan Fixed Network (TFN), TFN Media (including its cable TV operator subsidiaries), and Taiwan Mobile, to enrich subscribers’ lifestyles. Taking customers’ real needs as the starting point for its planning, TWM Broadband has introduced a range of user-friendly digital convergence services that include broadband Internet access, digital interactive audio and visual entertainment, and a wide choice of value-added services. By linking together mobile phones, the Internet and cable TV, TWM Broadband has created a shared digital lifestyle for all the family.