Gol TV To Kick Off HDTV Service

Gol TV will put an HD service in the back of the net this summer.

The soccer-centric service will launch a simulcast channel on Aug. 1, making it the first HD network in the U.S. to be offered simultaneously in Spanish and English. During its rookie season, GolTV HD will present over 250 matches in native high-definition with coverage from Spain's La Liga and Germany's Bundesliga, as well as highlight and magazine shows like La Liga 360, Hallo Bundesliga and Bundesliga Magazine. Moreover, Gol TV News, the network's weeknight show dedicated entirely to soccer news will also be delivered in 1080i HD format, according to network officials.

The service, at this point, is working toward securing carriage contracts.

"There's no doubt that soccer aficionados will welcome the chance to see our exclusive matches in HD. Our research shows that soccer fans want to see the world's most thrilling matches in stunning HDTV clarity. This summer, we will deliver what our viewers want with the launch of GolTV HD," said Rodrigo Lombello, COO of Gol TV. "Sports is unmatched for delivering live, unedited events that make for compelling television viewing. Now our distribution partners can capitalize on the value of offering their customers the first all-soccer bilingual channel in premium HD."