China's 1st digital TV channel by Jan

China will launch its first digital high-resolution television channel from January next year. 

The new channel of the state-run China Central Television, to be launched on New Year's day, will be the first Chinese-language digital high-resolution channel in the world. It will be a paid channel, which will produce pictures twice as clear as that of DVDs.

China DTV media Inc. Ltd, which will provides technological support to the channel, will collaborate with provincial network companies and high-resolution television set producers to ensure the smooth transmission and reception of the programmes.

Television viewers will be able to watch a number of sporting events and concerts on the channel, including the 2006 Berlin Soccer World Cup.

The channel began to provide 15-hour pilot programmes every day since September in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.  After the formal launching of the channel, it will offer 18-hour programmes everyday.

According to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China will start ground-based digital transmission throughout the country in 2008 and cease analogue broadcasting by 2015.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will also be broadcast with digital technology.