Comcast is creating two separate HDTV networks for The Golf Channel and Versus, as well as launching a standalone HDTV service for E! Entertainment Television in December, officials said Wednesday.
Comcast’s sports services, Versus and The Golf Channel, since January 2007 have shared a single HDTV channel. On that hybrid HD network, Golf Channel programming from the standard-definition channel was simulcast from noon to 7 p.m. and Versus fare from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Now, each sports channel will have its own 24-hour HDTV network as of December, and E! will have its own HDTV standalone simulcast as well.
The Versus HD network will offers fare such as National Hockey League games and the Tour de France, while The Golf Channel HD offerings will include some PGA Tour events.
In the case of the E! HDTV simulcast, its programming schedule will includes shows such as Living Lohan and its trademark red-carpet awards events.
Comcast is talking to distributors about securing carriage for the three HDTV networks, according to a spokesman for the cable operator.
