(23 June 2006 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: : A partnership deal has been signed between Walt Disney Television International (Southeast Asia) and True Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd. to make Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel available on True IPTV, slated to start this month.

True IPTV Thailand's Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) provider, is a pay-TV service with an 'a la carte' pricing model. It is available to viewers at a monthly subscription of Baht120 (US$3) for each of the commercial-free Disney channels, informs an official release.

Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific) Senior VP and MD Nicky Parkinson said, "It has been Disney's strategic focus to develop compelling content and utilize leading-edge technologies in response to consumer demands of getting quality entertainment experiences in the most relevant way. IPTV is anticipated to be a major entertainment platform in Thailand and we are extremely excited to work with True, an innovative industry player providing the first IPTV here, to embrace this fast-growing opportunity and bring our two branded channels to Thai kids and families."

Walt Disney Television International (Southeast Asia) MD Raymund Miranda said, "Being responsive to the technological advances of TV programming distribution is a priority for us at Disney Television and the launch of our channels on True IPTV marks an exciting milestone in our business in Southeast Asia. In the long-term, IPTV is expected to penetrate 55 per cent share of the Thai TV market and we look forward to working with True IPTV, the leader in this space, to make that forecast a reality."

True IPTV was launched by True Corporation Plc, Thailand's integrated telecom operator providing fixed line telephone, mobile, broadband and multimedia services. The company plans to expand its operations in Thailand to reach out to local audiences through selected animated programming on both Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel which are dubbed in Thai. Also, number of live-action series have Thai subtitling. In addition, an English language feed is also available in appropriate areas, adds the release.

Commenting on the partnership, True Corporation Plc MD Thiti Nantapatsiri said, "We're pleased to have the two Disney channels on our new IPTV offering and we're confident that our growing number of subscribers will enjoy Disney's unique brand of quality entertainment."