Philips is set to play a strong role in the development of high-definition television (HDTV) services in France via a contract from Canal+ Group. Philips will provide a range of services and products to boost HDTV take-up in France, including the HDTV set-top boxes that will decode HD programs from Canal+.

Philips plans to start delivering the HD Mediasat+ in the first half of 2006 to support the HD Canal+ Le Bouquet launch, and the HD Mediasat+ PVR personal video recorder in mid-2006.

“This is a sign of the leading positions achieved by both Canal+ and Philips in HDTV, which the agreement extends even further,” Lucas Covers, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer at Philips, said. “The cooperation with Canal+ will be a major driver in bringing high definition TV to the market in France.”

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.