UAE citizens will be the first in the region who will have access to high-definition television, Maktoob Business reports. Etilasat will provide HDTV services, which will be available through it’s cable TV service E-Vision. HDTV technology ensures better quality of picture and sound. The service will be available soon, but only 5 channels will be offered at first. As Etilasat estimates, there are over 600 thousand HD televisions in the country, and over one million people are subscribed for E-Vision. Those who are subscribed for cable services, will need to pay monthly 30 dirhams extra to get access to the service, and will need to buy special equipment costing about 1000 dirhams.