MANILA - The media investment arm of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is planning to spend a total of P1 billion this year for its direct-to-home satellite television service.

According to Mediaquest Holdings Inc. Managing Director Benjie Fernandez, the company has so far invested P650 billion for the rollout of Cignal Digital TV, which broadcasts digital and HD (high definition) pay television channels nationwide via satellite.

By the end of the year, he said Mediaquest will be spending another P350 million for the new service.

"We aim to reach a market of 2 million households in the Philippines that are not served by cable TV providers," he said during the formal launch of Cignal Digital TV in Taguig City on Tuesday.

Cignal Digital TV is the latest subscription-based direct-to-home satellite television service using the NSS-11 New Skies Satellite, competing with GSAT (Global Satellite) and Dream Satellite TV. Fernandez clarified, however, that the company only aims to complement the country's existing satellite TV providers.

"What makes us different is that we have quality channels and affordable cost. We also offer 3 high-definition channels," he said, adding that Cignal Digital TV is on standard definition format compared to most cable operators that are still on analog format.

At present, Mediaquest provides 2 satellite TV packages. Cignal Basic, with 20 standard definition channels, is available for a one-time fee of P5,700 for equipment and installation, and a monthly service fee of P390.

On the other hand, Cignal Combo offers 3 HD channels plus the Cignal Basic for a one-time fee of P5,800 for equipment and installation, and a monthly service fee of P790.

Cignal's 3 HD channels include international lifestyle TV channel Voom, the History Channel, and Playhouse Disney. Fernandez said another 5 or 6 HD channels are set to be launched by Cignal in the coming months.

"This marks a significant milestone for the Philippine television industry. Cignal, with its Cignal HD and Cignal Digital TV, is the most aggressive initiative thus far to bring digital television to more Filipinos all over the country," PLDT Group and Mediascape Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, Mediaquest said it has partnered with television giants Sony and JVC for its HDTV service.

"It is our pleasure to fulfill the local demand for Sony Bravia TVs as we offer the HD television with the most number of eco-friendly features with the Sony Bravia WE5, the Ultimate Sports TV, Sony Bravia Z450, and the world's first 240HZ motionflow technology," Sony Philippines Vice President Takashi Kozu said.

"To make them fully appreciate this technology, we have in fact been in talks with Mediaquest to provide the latest JVC HD LCDs and Cignal service bundles at very attractive prices," JVC General Manager Paul Santos added.