FreeHD Canada Announcement

Published on Monday, August 17, 2009

FreeHD Canada announces industry-wide solution to
Canadian Digital Television Transition

FreeHD Canada files applications with CRTC to provide satellite Direct-to-Home TV service and distribution of HD services for all Canadian conventional television channels

August 17, 2009 -- Toronto, Ontario – FreeHD Canada Inc., a new Canadian satellite television venture, announced it has filed applications with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to provide a Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television service and a wholesale programming distribution service for Canadian programmers (SRDU). With licencing, FreeHD Canada expects to commence operations early in 2011, in time to assist in the August 2011 digital transition date.

The FreeHD Canada satellite television solution provides much-needed satellite capacity to alleviate the distribution bottlenecks arising from the increased bandwidth requirements of High-Definition TV – and provides a programming lifeline to consumers that might have suffered a service disruption from the loss of ‘over-the-air’ TV signals arising from the shut down of small and medium-sized market TV transmitters. FreeHD Canada plans to carry all of the approximately 100 local television stations in Canada that originate local programming, by providing a free Local Program Package into their local markets – and also distributing more than 150 Canadian and foreign Pay & Specialty channels – all in HD as available.
“FreeHD Canada provides a comprehensive solution to the many and varied problems facing Canadian consumers, broadcasters, distributors and programmers arising from the upcoming migration to digital and HD.” said David Lewis, Chairman & CEO of FreeHD Canada. “We look forward to working with the members of the Canadian Broadcast Industry, the regulator, and local television broadcasters to further develop the solution, and assist in providing a seamless August 2011 digital transition across Canada.”

FreeHD Canada takes advantage of several next generation technologies; including Advanced Video Compression and several new satellite technologies to provide a superior quality HD picture and a more expansive HD offering than currently available – more than 250 as available. In order to receive the free Local Program Package consumers will need to purchase a competitively priced FreeHD Canada receive system, available online or from retailers throughout Canada.

About FreeHD Canada Inc.

FreeHD Canada is a new Canadian Direct-to-Home satellite company that has developed a unique offering for the Canadian marketplace. FreeHD Canada plans to deliver a superior High Definition TV offering (more HD channels, better quality, less price) to consumers across Canada. FreeHD Canada is led by Canadian satellite industry veteran David Lewis, and draws on a talented team of industry professionals that have been involved in the launch and start-up of several satellite-related broadcasting ventures.

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Contact: David Lewis,
+1 416-722-9819
dlewis@freehdcanada.ca