Melita launches digital TV service
Melita Cable said it was giving the next 500 subscribers to its digital TV service the opportunity to pay the current analogue rates for a month after the service is installed, as the cable company yesterday officially launched the long-awaited...
Melita Cable said it was giving the next 500 subscribers to its digital TV service the opportunity to pay the current analogue rates for a month after the service is installed, as the cable company yesterday officially launched the long-awaited service.
Apart from providing stereo sound and a sharper picture, customers are offered 77 channels and 50 digital radio stations.
New channels include the History Channel, three additional Discovery Channel stations and VH1 Classic.
The biggest attraction of digital TV is undoubtedly the beefing up of the sports content - the six stations make it possible for Melita to stream a number of English and Italian league football matches concurrently, live. When the footballers are off the pitch, the sports channels will link up to the Manchester Utd, Milan, Inter and Roma channels.
Motor and sailing enthusiasts now also have channels reserved exclusively for them. Some of the stations have an electronic programme guide, detailing the programmes being screened.
The radio stations being offered will suit any mood, ranging from classical music to Indian pop music.
Though the service was officially launched yesterday, over 1,200 digital set-top boxes have already been installed, Melita Cable chairman Joe Gasan said.
He said that all those who pre-booked their service until January 31 would continue to enjoy the benefits and pay their current analogue rates throughout February.
Melita chief executive Joe R. Aquilina said that households that connected to Melita Digital up to February 8 would be charged analogue rates until March 8. Melita believes its rates are competitive enough to convince subscribers to switch their cable service from analogue to digital.
The monthly subscription to the family package will be Lm13.98; the sports digital package is Lm19.99; and the movie digital package is Lm17.98. For Lm23.99 a month, subscribers can enjoy the full package.
The connection fee for a new subscription for Digital TV is Lm67 but subscribers who have paid the deposit on the analogue converter in full will pay Lm30.
The company is hoping to entice a third of family pack clients to switch from analogue to digital by the end of 2005.
The launch of Melita Digital services also coincides with the launch of the new website www.melitadigital.com.
Customers may book their service online, get the latest information on digital programming, and participate in promotions.