Comcast Launches Three of America's Most Popular Cable Networks in High-Definition Format in Mass., New Hampshire

Comcast Launches Three of America's Most Popular Cable Networks in High-Definition Format in Mass., New Hampshire

A&E HD, HGTV HD and Food Network HD Bring Top Lifestyle, Reality TV and Entertainment Shows to Comcast's Leading Library of HD Selections

BOSTON, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast, New England's leading provider of High-Definition (HD) programming, today announced the simultaneous launches of A&E HD, HGTV HD and Food Network HD in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, adding a trio of the most popular cable channels to its already extensive HD lineup.

The new HD networks are now available in the classic Comcast systems in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with launches in Comcast's former Adelphia systems to follow.

A&E HD (Channel 837) offers many of today's hottest programs, from hit Real Life series like Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Driving Force and Dallas SWAT to critically-acclaimed original movies, dramatic series and the most successful justice shows on cable -- Cold Case Files and The First 48. A&E HD is also the home of the high-profile off-network series 24, CSI: Miami and The Sopranos, all presented in true HD.

When it comes to design, home and lifestyle programming, HGTV HD (Channel 832) is the undisputed authority, with shows like World's Most Extreme Homes, Small Space, Big Style, Design Remix and Decorating Cents. HGTV HD also will offer DIY Networks' Barkitecture and Fine Living's The Wandering Golfer.

Food Network HD (Channel 854) offers cooking and entertainment shows so vivid you can taste them, with popular programs like Barefoot Contessa, Paula's Home Cooking, BBQ with Bobby Flay, Everyday Italian and Good Eats.

"We are committed to keeping our lead when it comes to delivering the most diverse HD programming on the market," said Randy Waddell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Comcast's NorthCentral Division. "These three new channels, combined with our other HD services and over 150 hours of HD ON DEMAND content, deliver the true high definition experience that our customers want. And as other networks begin to offer their content in HD, we look forward to expanding our already robust offerings to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience for our customers."

"We've had overwhelming interest from viewers since launching HGTV HD and Food Network HD," said John Baird, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing at Scripps Networks, parent company of HGTV and Food Network. "The richness and depth of the imagery combined with the unique content that only HGTV and Food Network offer has made these networks 'must haves' among High-Definition TV viewers."

"We're excited to bring Comcast customers some of the most popular programs on television in stunning HD format," said David Zagin, Executive Vice President of Distribution for A&E. "As we continue our expansion in the digital marketplace, we are thrilled that Comcast is adding A&E HD to their HD platform."

With today's announcement, Comcast continues its industry-leading pace of HD expansion, offering the most HD viewing choices and setting the standard for true HD quality. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Comcast offers 24 HD networks, including CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, NESN HD, Versus/Golf Channel HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, MOJO, TNT HD, Discovery Theatre HD, Universal HD, National Geographic HD, MHD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD and Fox Sports New England Celtics Games. In addition, Comcast delivers more than 100 hours of HD ON DEMAND programming, allowing Digital Cable customers with an HDTV and set-top box to pause, rewind and fast-forward their favorite movies and shows in crystal clear HD whenever it's most convenient. By the end of the year, Comcast will double the amount of HD ON DEMAND content.

For more information about Comcast's HDTV service, customers can call 1-800-COMCAST or visit www.comcast.com.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com/) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 24.2 million cable customers, 12.1 million high-speed Internet customers, and 3.0 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, Comcast SportsNet and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet business. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast's New England regions serve 2.6 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut and New York and employ nearly 7,000 individuals.

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Source: Comcast Corporation

CONTACT: Jim Hughes, +1-617-562-4340, Jim_Hughes@cable.comcast.com

Web site: http://www.comcast.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment