Dutch service providers boost HD offers

Dutch cable operators Ziggo and UPC and telco KPN have all boosted their HDTV line-ups.

Ziggo is to add HD versions of local channels Net 5, SBS 6 and Veronica on June 1.

The channels will be available in an expanded HD pack including Discovery HD, History HD and National Geographic HD for €5.95 a month. HD versions of the three Dutch public channels will remain available in the basic package, along with Eurosport HD.

Fellow cable operator UPC Netherlands is to add MTVN HD and VRT HD on May 3, taking the total number of HD channels broadcast by UPC to 16. UPC said that according to recent research, 60% of households in its footprint were now equipped with HD-ready flat-screen TVs.

Dutch telco KPN meanwhile has added HD versions of RTL channels RTL 4, RTL 5, RTL 7 and RTL 8, taking its HD line-up to 14 channels.