Go is to launch trials of high definition TV programming this week as it prepares its own movie channel offering which is to be unveiled in a couple of months' time, sources close to the communications group told The Sunday Times.

Details of the HD channels available to Go customers during the trial period will be announced in the next few days.

Initial testing of the new channels in high definition began a few days ago in selected households. Sources said Go expected a gradual but significant roll-out of the new programming over the next few months.

Go was the first company in Malta to launch a new-generation, HD-ready set-top box in a campaign last December. The Go Box+, with personal video recorder functionality that allows viewers to pause, rewind and record live TV, was so well-received by subscribers that chief executive officer David Kay said late last year that new consignments were ordered almost immediately.

Go's investment in this new technology falls within wider plans announced earlier this year to upgrade its core TV infrastructure, particularly to accommodate additional requirements to broadcast several simultaneous live sporting events from this summer.

After acquiring exclusive rights for the English Premier League and Italian Serie A from the 2010/11 season, Go is now looking to complete its programming platform with a movie channel "with some extra features customers will enjoy", the sources said.

Meanwhile, the upgrade project at Go's TV operations facilities at Magħtab is in progress. The works involve the installation of a new playout system which will mean the company will be able to receive and record up to 10 concurrent live feeds and allow it to transmit six of the feeds to subscribers. An audio studio is also being set up.

Last month, rival company Melita announced it was to rollout HD programming and a new HD-ready PVR set-top box in May, in time for the World Cup.

The company said its subscribers will have access to 10 high definition channels and a dedicated HD channel for the fixtures from the South Africa tournament in June.

Under an agreement with national broadcaster PBS, which owns the local rights to the World Cup, Melita will air matches on its sports channel line-up.

Go subscribers will be able to watch the World Cup on free-to-air channels.

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