Cablevision Adds Two Unique and Popular Networks to it's High Defintion Line Up

If Cablevision is your cable provider, there is some great news for you:

Discovery HD Theater And National Geographic Channel HD Bring Travel, Nature, Wildlife And Culture From Across The Globe To iO(R) Digital Cable Customers, With The Superior Picture And Sound Of High-Definition.

BETHPAGE, N.Y., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced the addition of Discovery HD Theater and National Geographic HD to the growing list of high-definition channels available to digital cable customers across the company's entire service area, at no additional cost. Discovery HD Theater is available on channel 727 and iO customers will find National Geographic Channel HD on channel 726. Cablevision now offers 23 high-definition programming services including local broadcast stations, the most local sports in HD and a wide variety of entertainment genres. Unlike other providers, Cablevision does not charge an equipment or programming premium for HD programming. "We are pleased to add these unique, high-quality networks to our robust array of high-definition programming, and we plan to build on these additions with a significant expansion of HD channels in the coming months," said Theresa Chillianis, Cablevision's vice president of video product management. "Our high-capacity fiber network gives Cablevision the ability to continually exceed our customers' expectations and deliver additional value through our products, including the best HD programming with no additional fees or charges. We are confident our customers will enjoy Discovery HD Theater and National Geographic HD, in addition to the high-definition programming we already provide, and the new HD channels we plan to offer."

"Having made considerable investments in HD over many years, Discovery offers a vast collection of content to support our distributors' HD business-building efforts and bring viewers the best in HD picture quality and sound," said Clint Stinchcomb, executive vice president and general manager, Discovery Emerging Networks Group. "The launch with Cablevision comes at a particularly opportune time as we premiere Planet Earth, one of our most ambitious HD events ever. We're very pleased that this groundbreaking series will be one of the first programs our new Cablevision viewers will see." "National Geographic is synonymous with spectacular imagery, whether emanating from the bottom of the sea, the most remote rainforest, or the most fascinating cultures anywhere on the planet." said Laureen Ong, President, National Geographic Channel. "NGC HD amplifies the immersive visual experience that continues to draw more viewers to the network every day. We're pleased to join the leading lineup of HD networks that Cablevision is offering its customers." Discovery HD Theater was the first 24-hour high-definition network to broadcast its content in brilliant 1080i and 5.1 digital Surround Sound. A standalone HD network from the Discovery Channel, Discovery HD Theater features high-definition programming in virtually all categories of entertainment from Discovery's family of networks, including wildlife, nature, travel, science, history, geography and more. Discovery HD Theater is committed to bringing viewers top-tier, original HD event programs such as Discovery Atlas HD and Planet Earth, as well as captivating series including Sunrise Earth, Destination HD, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Risk Takers. National Geographic Channel HD, a simulcast of the six-year-old National Geographic Channel, is the #1 most requested HD channel over the past two years according to Beta Brand Research and showcases such programs as Galapagos, a three-hour special that is the first in-depth, full access film made in over 20 years about the islands and their wondrous array of wildlife.

Favorite original series include Naked Science, MegaStructures, Seconds From Disaster, and Explorer- all presented in stunning HD picture quality and sound. For iO customers with high-definition television sets, Cablevision offers HD-capable converter boxes at no additional cost over the standard box rental fee. In addition to High-definition feeds of premium movie networks are available to all customers who subscribe to the standard-definition version of the networks. High-definition video on demand movie titles are available anytime for $4.95 each, which includes full control over the viewing experience with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind. With nearly 2.5 million iO customers, more than 78 percent of Cablevision's cable customers are iO digital cable customers, the highest digital penetration in the nation. iO offers customers access to more than 240 channels, including 50 premium movie channels, 45 channels of commercial- free digital music, more than 1,400 titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, 23 high-definition programming services and groundbreaking interactive television applications including News 12 Interactive, and subscription games packages.

SOURCE: PRNEWSWIRE