(19 December 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and Hong Kong based broadband channel now TV have announced the launch of Greater China's first high-definition (HD), 24-hour documentary channel - National Geographic Channel (NGC) HD.

NGC HD, the only documentary channel that is available in high-definition in Hong Kong, will join the US, UK, Ireland, Italy, Canada, France, Netherlands and Singapore where the 24-hour HD channel is already available. In Hong Kong, National Geographic Channel HD is available on now TV Channel 218.

Featuring explorers and cutting-edge filmmakers, NGC HD provides viewers with award-winning documentary programmes, compelling stories of unsurpassed quality and a superior level of credibility that the world has come to expect. From science, the modern world and investigations to lost cultures and natural history, the channel will offer viewers unique insights, groundbreaking findings and a truly unforgettable television experience - all in amazing detail, vibrant colours and theatre-quality 5.1-channel surround sound.

PCCW executive VP for TV marketing and content development Janice Lee said, "We are pleased to launch Hong Kong's first documentary television channel in high definition with National Geographic Channel HD, exclusively on now TV. This move further enriches our HD content and demonstrates our commitment to continuous enhancement, in terms of variety and quality for the enjoyment of our customers. We are confident that National Geographic Channel HD will be very well received by the Hong Kong market."

NGC HD marks the latest addition to the family of National Geographic branded channels in Hong Kong. These are National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel video-on-demand, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Adventure. These channels are also available on now TV.