InDemand sets HDTV channels

[Gregg Lengling]

April 28, 2003

New York -- Pay-per-view giant InDemand is venturing into the linear television business, announcing plans to launch as many as three high-definition TV channels.  On Sept. 1 InDemand will introduce INHD, a 12-hour mix of licensed programming including movies and sports that will run twice per day.  Two more networks are expected by the end of the year.  With top cable operators Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications holding ownership stakes in InDemand, the new channels are assured carriage, according to Rob Jacobson, chief operating officer at In Demand.  "We expect they will all carry us when we launch," he said.  "We will look to get distribution from  others too."  InDemand is in negotiations with varous movie studios, sports leagues and other HD-content providers to acquire product for INHD.  INHD will join a growing list of HD-exclusive cable channels, including HD-NET and spinoffs from Discovery, ESPN and HBO.  "We want to help jump-start the industry's transistion to HD," Jacobson said.  The network will not be connected to InDemand's recently announced high-definition video-on-demand platform, which began this month with titles including "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  (Andrew Wallenstein from HD news online)