MGM Worldwide Networks, a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., announced the launching of a Spanish language version of its MGM HD Channel in Latin America this month, with launches in México and Argentina. MGM HD in Spanish is a linear network offering 24 hours a day of classic and contemporary films and is the only basic tier movie channel brand available in the region with 100% content in true 1080i format.
With a Portuguese language version of MGM HD having launched in Brazil last year, MGM HD in Spanish will be rolled out on to high definition subscribers across Cablevision Argentina, Cablevision Mexico, and Sky Mexico this month, and extends the portfolio of MGM Networks Latin America, which also produces and distributes the MGM Channel in standard definition and Casa Club TV, the home and lifestyle channel dedicated to women.
The announcement was made today by Bruce Tuchman, President of MGM Worldwide Networks.
MGM HD will offer a compelling proposal to expand the market for high definition. In addition to presenting the acclaimed classic MGM movies, the MGM HD channel will also offer a variety of original productions, recent releases and exclusive special events such as "American Film Institute: Life Achievement Award”, “World Music Awards” and its latest production "MMA on MGM: Battle of the Americas" in high definition (1080i HD).
"MGM Channels continue to expand and thrive across the global multichannel marketplace," said Tuchman. “High definition has become a particularly hot area of growth for us as this new HD launch follows our recent launch of MGM HD in the UK, and the slew of vibrant MGM HD channels that we have launched in rapid succession over the last few years in the US, Europe and the Mid-East.”
Melvin Perez, President of MGM Networks Latin America, added: "The MGM HD channel arrived in Brazil in May 2009 and our strategy remains to offer a channel with programming that is separate from our standard signal, presenting different genres of films without commercial interruptions and without traditional advertising. With the strengthening of our portfolio in the region, MGM Networks Latin America strengthens its market position by taking leadership in launching new trends and presenting the first truly basic movie channel in high definition."
Argentina and Mexico join an expanding roster of countries around the world enjoying the MGM Channel in high definition. MGM HD premiered in Poland in December 2006. After this first launch, the channel was launched in the United States in October 2007. In April 2008, the MGM HD channel arrived in Israel, joining the existing standard definition version of the MGM channel in this key Middle Eastern market. Most recently, MGM HD launched in the UK in mid-December 2009 in partnership with Sky. The launch of MGM HD Channel in Argentina and Mexico continues the successful and aggressive global expansion of the MGM Networks studios in both standard definition and high definition.
