EXPRESSVU SET TO LAUNCH
By Adnews Staff
Often-delayed direct-to-home satellite service ExpressVu Inc., based in Toronto, has announced that it will finally launch on September 10. To begin with, the service will offer 55 digital video channels in eastern Canada and 37 video channels in western Canada, plus over 30 digital music channels. Six additional Canadian and U.S. specialty channels will be added nationwide in mid-October. By early 1998 the company plans to increase the number of video channels to 70 in the east and 50 in the west, while a planned move to a more powerful satellite in the fourth quarter of 1998 will make it possible to jump to over 200 video, music and information channels. Distribution of ExpressVu's two-foot dishes and set-top boxes to retailers began in late August. Stores slated to carry the equipment include The Bay, Bell Mobility, Future Shop, Kmart, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstores, True Value Hardware Stores and Wal-Mart Canada. Program packages and prices will be announced at launch. Communique of Toronto creates ads for ExpressVu, while Rapp Collins of Toronto handles its database and National Public Relations of Toronto does PR. ExpressVu is owned by BCE Inc. and Canadian Satellite Communications Inc., both of Toronto, as well as WIC Western International Communications of Vancouver.