ITV Network to launch India's first ultra HD channel

The new channel operate in the factual entertainment space aiming to reach 60 mn homes in Europe and India

European networks TERN (Television Entertainment Reality Network) SES has tied up with India's ITV Network to launch Insight, a UHD (ultra-high definition) factual entertainment channel. The channel will feature content, co-created alongside global production houses, including Zodiak Media, Off the Fence and Strix Television. The launch would be announced at MIPCOM on October 5 and would reach around 60 million homes in Europe and India.

Mariam Zamaray, chief executive of TERN, said, “With viewers increasingly watching content on multiple devices, broadcasters and advertisers must continually find new ways to connect with viewers.”  

“In response, Insight goes beyond simple viewer interaction to incentivise and reward audience engagement. We are investing in creative, cost-effective and innovative ways to produce the best UHD content.”

ITV Network will be in charge of distribution in India. Currently, UHD is a fairly new service on direct-to-home platforms like Tata Sky and Videcon d2h. Due to the lack of UHD content, both these operators provide programmes on their respective UHD channels.

Factual entertainment is a space that seen a lot of traction for HD content and consumption. The documentaries make use of the superior resolution to provide a detailed viewing experience and hence, the genre has seen good response to the HD platform. Production houses and broadcasters like BBC productions and Discovery already have content that is shot is UHD globally.