Hum TV begins testing on Sky ahead of UK launch

Pakistan’s popular entertainment channel, Hum TV has begun testing on Sky Digital today ahead of its official launch in the next few days.

As BizAsia exclusively revealed a few weeks ago, Hum TV will be the latest contender in the UK Asian TV market. Whilst launch details are being kept underwraps, BizAsia understands that bosses of the channel flew into the UK over the weekend to firm up UK plans.

Hum TV is expected to stir up the Pakistani TV market with its high-end premium shows. Hum TV’s launch will no doubt result in existing players in the UK to reposition and revamp its strategies (Read here). BizAsia understands that Hum TV is in advanced talks to have the channel available as part of Sky Digital’s new bundle for Asian TV channels (Read here). However, this is yet to be confirmed. The other possibility is Hum TV broadcasting free-to-air.

Hum TV UK is expected to broadcast a hybrid service of programmes from its network of three channels in Pakistan – fictions from Hum TV, magazine shows from Hum Sitaray TV and lifestyle shows from Masala TV.

Hum TV could be available on the EPG by the first week of March if tests are carried out successfully.

The EPG tests currently show data of programmes that will broadcast on the channel. Full picture and audio tests are expected to begin later this week.

The tests can be viewed at the following parameters below:
-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> Select System Setup
-> Select Add Channels
-> Enter frequency: 11.222 (H), FEC: 2/3, SR: 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight ���52050? service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> ���52050? should be listed and available