Scripps Networks' two new channels, HGTV HD and Food Network HD, are not fully launched yet in North America, but will go global almost immediately, starting in Japan.
HGTV HD started up in April; Food Network HD launches on June 30 in the U.S. In addition to American carriage, both channels will be aired overseas following the signing of Scripps Networks' new deal with Japan News Broadcasting Corp. -- Scripps' first international agreement involving HD content.
Scripps said that in America, additional cable providers, which will distribute its duo of HD channels soon will include Wide Open West in Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Ohio, and Cleveland; Buckeye Cable in Toledo, Ohio; and Sunflower Broadband and Everest Connections in Kansas City, Mo.
