Melita plc announces cable TV network upgrade for launch of new sports channels

The announcement came on the same day that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will be visiting the new investment announced by arch-rival GO plc at its head-end in Maghtab following the acquisition of the Serie A for the 2010-2012 football season and UK Premier League rights for the 2010-2014 football season.

The company explained how Melita’s Technical Centre in Madliena was currently undergoing a number of upgrades and installations in preparation for the launch date of the five Stars channels, including a new playout system.

This investment followed other technical upgrades which were implemented earlier this year prior to the launch of Melita’s the high definition service.

As a result of this investment, Melita television subscribers would now enjoy even more exclusive sports content including, for the first time in Malta, the Brazilian Serie A.

All Melita L subscribers would be able to access Malta Stars for free with broadcasts of local sporting events.

In addition, Melita XL TV subscribers would also have free access to Football Stars 1, Football Stars 2, All Stars and Stars HD. Football Stars 1 and Football Stars 2 would provide live coverage of international football such as the Spanish Primera Liga, Bundesliga, Carling Cup, UEFA Euro 2010 qualifiers, Bayern Munich TV, Barca TV amongst other international football matches.

All Stars offered a wide variety of international sports including WWE Wrestling, NBA basketball matches, ATG Horse Racing, Red Bull X-Fighters, Red Bull Air Race, Boxing and many more.

Stars HD would encompass a selection of all the best sports in the Stars line-up and broadcast in High Definition, available to all XL subscribers with the Melita Netbox HD, who will also have the possibility to pause, record and rewind live TV at the touch of a button.

Melita has also launched a 9 premium sports channel package dedicated to top football leagues covering all UEFA Champions League games, over 100 UEFA Europa League games, Copa Libertadores, and highlights from other top leagues.