Comcast Cable Communications and Thirteen/WNET New York have announced the launch of the public broadcaster's high-definition channel -- ThirteenHD. With this programming addition, more than 720,000 Comcast customers in northern and central New Jersey are now able to view Thirteen/WNET in high-definition along with Comcast's current HDTV channels including ABC, NBC, HBO and Showtime.

ThirteenHD features 24 hours of digital and high-definition programming each day, including high-definition series and specials from Thirteen/WNET's production studios as well as from public broadcasting producers from across the US. Thirteen/WNET was one of the first public broadcasting stations in the US to launch a digital signal in July 2001, two years before the FCC deadline.

Comcast also announced the launch of KidsThirteen, the public broadcaster's new children's programming channel. KidsThirteen features a continuing selection of the most popular children's series seen on Channel Thirteen including: Sesame Street; Barney & Friends; Arthur. Comcast has stated that with the addition of ThirteenHD it is now offering northern and central New Jersey customers five HDTV channels

An official release informs that in order to receive HDTV channels, customers must own an HDTV-compatible television set. Customers who subscribe to Comcast Digital Cable, in addition to being eligible to receive HDTV services, may receive up to 270 digital channels, including: 45 commercial-free premium movie channels such as HBO, Showtime and Cinemax; 45 channels of commercial-free music; sports packages featuring eight NHL and 12 NBA pay-per-view channels; an interactive on-screen guide and the company's exclusive On Demand service.

Operating in 17 of the United States' 20 largest metropolitan areas, Comcast claims to be one of the leading communications, media and entertainment companies in the world.