(16 April 2007 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US broadcaster Voom HD Networks has inked a carriage agreement with Orbit to launch its VOOM HD channel in the Middle East.

The agreement, brokered by international broadcaster and distributor of thematic channels Zonemedia, heralds Voom HD as the first high-definition channel in the region.

Orbit president, CEO Samir Abdulhadi says, " Voom HD is the ideal collaborator for introducing HD programming to our growing viewership. With its reputation for stellar HD production and the great diversity of programming in its extensive catalogue, Voom presents a compelling, high-quality offering."

Voom HD delivered in 1080i format high-definition with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio delivering six channels of surround sound—will offer its diverse collection of HD programming on such topics as adventure travel, fashion, luxury lifestyle, art, live concerts, action sports and video gaming.

Since initiating its global expansion effort in October 2005, the Voom HD brand has seen exponential growth in the international marketplace. More than 500 programming hours have been sold into more than 50 countries.

The global Vom HD channel has launched in Scandinavia, Estonia, and Latvia, and will soon launch in Hong Kong later this month and in Singapore. Voom HD has also been deployed in Canada on three branded channels operated by High Fidelity TV, and Skylife's SkyHD deployed a daily primetime Voom HD branded programming block on Korea's first and only HD programming service last September.