ITV Telewest Deal Gives Clear View For Football Fans

Telewest customers will be given a grandstand view of Steven Gerrard and the boys this summer, with the broadcaster securing deals with the BBC and ITV to screen every World Cup game in high definition (HD).

HDTV is accessible only through Telewest’s cable service, or via satellite company Sky, although only Telewest has secured a deal with ITV to show its ultra-clear pictures in time for the World Cup.

Viewers will need an HD-ready television set, plus either Telewest’s TVDrive or Sky’s high definition satellite service with a new set-top box.

Naturally, Telewest is thrilled with the agreements with the BBC and ITV. Philip Snalune, ntl Telewest’s managing director of consumer products, said: “The beautiful game is about to get a serious makeover. Telewest customers with TVDrive will be able to watch every World Cup game in stunning high definition.

“Since we launched Britain’s first HDTV service, thousands of football fans have invested in HD-ready screens in anticipation of the World Cup and we’re flying in additional TVDrives to satisfy demand.”

Of course, viewers able to access the new HD broadcasts won’t only have football on offer. For those who prefer centre court to centre forwards, Wimbledon will be viewable in high definition (see BBC To Screen World Cup And Wimbledon In HD). Plus there will be natural history offerings such as the BBC’s Planet Earth and dramas such as ITV’s Death on the Nile (see BBC Gears Up For High Definition Launch).

Telewest is also flagging up new on-demand high definition programmes from Channel 4, so viewers have instant access to episodes of Lost and Desperate Housewives (see Channel 4 Signs First On-Demand Distribution Deal).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com Telewest: 0845 142 0000 www.telewest.co.uk