DTH service Star Choice has announced it will launch a satellite-borne HDTV channel in the fall of 1999. The channel will offer programming created specifically for high definition broadcast and the company says it is working with programmers in developing the channel’s content.

For viewers wishing to take full advantage of the higher resolution, widescreen pictures and CD-quality sound, Toshiba has three TV set models currently available ranging from 61 inches to 71 inches which are capable of receiving the 1080i HD signal used by Star Choice. The 65-inch model used at a demo at the Star Choice HDTV launch will cost $7,999. Forecasting consumer adoption of the sets, Toshiba Canada product and marketing manager Robert Gumiela says the company expects about 10,000 units to be brought into Canadian homes in the upcoming fiscal 99 year, 40,000 units in 2000, 100,000 in 2001 with increments up to one million sets by 2006.

To receive the HD signals, Star Choice viewers will need to add a small box by General Instruments to their existing Star Choice box, most of which are equipped with a high speed data port. A cable hooks the new GI box to the existing data port to provide HD pictures.