MUMBAI: CTV Specialty Television Inc, along with US-based Discovery Communications, has filed an application with the CRTC for a new High Definition television specialty service called Discovery HD Theatre.

Pending CRTC approval, Discovery HD Theatre will launch before the end of 2005.

The applicants will collaborate with the country's DTH and cable service providers to include a free-view period for Canadian high-definition audiences to sample the service.

Discovery HD Theatre will be categorised as category 2 digital specialty channel and is poised to become Canada's first 24-hour High-Definition Specialty service.

The partners say the programming line-up will present a dynamic mix of Discovery channel's most popular programmes, original Canadian productions, live programming events and content from HD producers and broadcasters from around the world that has never been available to Canadian audiences. The programming will be presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio at 1080i.

"Today's announcement represents a uniquely Canadian solution to feeding an ever-growing consumer appetite for HD content in Canada," said CTV Inc president Rick Brace.

The company said, Discovery HD plays to the strengths of the high definition format - from scaling the heights of Mount Everest to the majestic beauty of an undersea world, the detail captured in high definition production reveals the science of our world in an engaging new way.

The popularity for the Discovery Channel means Discovery HD Theatre Discovery should be well received by Canadian HDTV viewers.