MUMBAI: Universal Networks International (UNI) has announced the launch of Universal Channel HD, its first high definition channel in South East Asia. The channel launched this week on Telekom Malaysia‘s IPTV platform HyppTV.

The launch follows UNI‘s first Asian HD launch in 2010 - Universal Channel HD Japan - with plans for further HD launches of its channel brands in the Asia Pacific region in the year ahead.
 
Universal Networks International MD Asia Pacific Raymund Miranda said, "We‘re extremely proud of this important milestone. Less than three years after launching in the region, we now have four channelbrands across 21 countries and are now offering our HD channels to platforms, advertisers and consumers."

Universal Networks International and digital initiatives president Roma Khanna said, "The launch of Universal Channel HD in South East Asia continues UNI‘s ongoing commitment to high definition as we continue to break ground in pay-TV viewer enjoyment via both top-quality content and technical investments in our channel brands, around the world." 
 
Beyond Asia, UNI will continue its roll-out of HD channels as a strategic priority in 2011, having already launched in Latin America, UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Japan.

Universal Channel in Asia airs shows such as the Law And Order franchise, The Event, The Office and Flashpoint. It will premiere Law and Order: Los Angeles and the modern office comedy Outsourced.

UNI delivers four channel brands - Diva Universal, Universal Channel, Syfy Universal and 13th St Universal. It has original and co-produced series such as The Biggest Loser Asia, Rookie Blue, Haven, Covert Affairs, Fairly Legal, Shattered and Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files.