After having ensured the transmission of Euro 2008 matches in high definition on TVI, PT announces the launch of a new HD channel. MEO IPTV and MEO Satellite Customers can follow the Olympic Games, the Roland Garros and the Tour de France live and with the best quality. The new channel - Eurosport HD -, on the air as of 25 May, in position 282, is officially launched today by PT and Eurosport Group.

José Carlos Baldino declared that the transmission of the Olympic Games in high definition prompted the launch of the channel	Vera Pinto Pereira said that " MEO bets strongly on sports"

About 20 countries in Europe will start receiving Eurosport HD. It is in Portugal, and by PT’s initiative, that the first official launch of the channel happens. Because “we are the television of the new generation”, José Carlos Baldino, PT Director, declared, the company could not help integrating Eurosport HD into its MEO television offer. “The transmission of the Olympic Games in high definition prompted the launch of this channel”, stated the PT Director, who also disclosed that PT will continue to add new HD contents, namely in video-on-demand. “MEO bets strongly on sports. This is a natural content in PT’s television offer, because, according to market research, it fulfils customers’ expectations”, added Vera Pinto Pereira, PT’s Head of Television Product and Pricing.

Olivier Bramly declared that "this is the ideal time for the launch of Eurosport HD channel”

For Olivier Bramly, Head of Eurosport’s Distribution and Development in Europe, “this is the ideal time to launch the channel, considering the maturity of the market”. He guaranteed afterwards that Eurosport will “broadcast the greatest sports events live and in high definition”, which shall only be possible after the reorganization of the channel’s television production process. “Quality, prestige, professionalism” these are the characteristics naturally associated with the new channel’s content offer, according to Olivier Bramly.

Eurosport HD thus becomes the most recent television channel within MEO service, consolidating its high definition content offer: National Geographic HD; Luxe TV HD; HD films on the VídeoClub and the HD broadcasting of Euro 2008 matches on TVI.

The renowned Portuguese judoka Telma Monteiro also showed up at the Eurosport HD launch, its presence symbolizing the consolidation of PT’s bet on sports. The athlete is part of TMN’s Dream Team, a group of Portuguese athletes sponsored by this company.

José Carlos Baldino, PT Director; Telma Monteiro, judoka; Vera Pinto Pereira, PT’s Head of Television Product and Pricing;
and Olivier Bramly, Eurosport’s Head of Distribution and Development in Europe

More about Eurosport HD

What is so special about high definition?
High definition (HD) offers the best possible visual experience in television, with unparalleled image and sound quality. It can be said that high definition is the biggest evolution in TV since the introduction of colour broadcasting.

What is necessary to receive Eurosport HD?
In order to receive Eurosport HD, Meo customers should have an LCD or Plasma television compatible with high definition emissions (“HD Ready” or “Full HD”), as well as with the MEO Box receiver-decoder (IPTV or satellite), subject to technical availability at the customer’s premises.

When will Eurosport HD be available?
In Portugal, Eurosport HD will be available on MEO’s offer (IPTV or Satellite) (promotionally available during the Summer).

www.meo.pt