HBO has announced plans to make all 26 of its HBO and Cinemax channels available in high definition.

"We have a long history of firsts in technology: satellite, multiplex and SVOD," said HBO chairman and CEO Bill Nelson. "Such a commitment reinforces our tradition of giving our customers the best programming when they want it and how they want it. This move further solidifies HBO's leadership in the premium category."

The premium provider plans to start making the new HD versions of its output available from September, when 10 channels in addition to the existing HBO HD service will launch on digital satellite provider DirecTV. Further HD feeds will be added during the first half of 2008.