TV provider UPC is to launch 21 High Definition – or HD – channels for its customers.

The firm has signed a wide-ranging deal with Sky TV.

This will see 19 Sky channels available in HD on the UPC platform.

These include Sky Sports 1 and 2, Sky Movies and Sky News.

Lifestyle channels Sky 1, Sky Arts 1 & 2 and Sky Living are also to be launched in high definition.

Meanwhile children will have the option to watch The Disney Channel in HD.

Simon Kelehan is head of content with UPC.

“(We) are very pleased to announce this enhanced deal with Sky. Together with the recent launch of UPC On Demand, we’re providing unique home entertainment to our customers” he said.

Rob Webster is Director of Sky’s Commercial Group.

He added “We’re keen to distribute our channels as broadly as possible to widen our reach…We’re therefore pleased to have agreed this enhanced distribution deal with UPC”.