Tricolor bans distribution of own HD channels

Russia’s leading pay TV operator Tricolor TV has suspended the distribution of movie channels Kino Pokaz HD-1 and Kino Pokaz HD-2, despite owning part of the business.

The operator bought part of Zao 1HDTV, the owner of the two HD channels, earlier this year. In a statement, Tricolor said the contract had been terminated, leading to the withdrawal of the channels from all platforms. While the parties make a decision on the future of the channels, they will be available exclusively in Tricolor’s Maximum HD package.

Tricolor’s general director Alexander Makarov said the channels would probably be renamed and the quality of movies available on them improved in the near future.