Discovery HD Theater to Launch in Canada

Discovery Communications has filed a joint venture application with the Canadian government to offer Discovery HD Theater by the end of this year. In a statement, Discovery said that after it gains approval, DHDT will become Canada's first 24-hour high-definition specialty service. Programming, however, will differ somewhat from what DHDT offers in the U.S., with a focus on original Canadian productions and live programming events in addition to traditional DHDT fare originating from the U.S. and around the world. When it launches, Discovery will offer it free of charge for a period of time as a way for viewers to sample the service.