MUMBAI: The launch of its channels in India may be delayed but in the rest of the Asia Pacific region, the mouse is not wasting time in spreading its reach.

Disney has announced that Hong Kong has become the second Asia Pacific market in four months to launch its television channels. Walt Disney Television International - Asia Pacific (WDTVI-AP) and PCCW have announced that on 2 April Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel will launch on pay-TV network now Broadband TV.

The launch of the Playhouse Disney Channel in Hong Kong marks the entry into Asia of the first dedicated pre-school channel in the region. For the flagship channel Hong Kong is the 10th market in the Asia Pacific to enjoy its programming.

WBTVI-AP senior VP, MD Doug Miller was quoted in an official release saying, "The recent opening up of the pay-TV market in Hong Kong created a strategic opportunity to expand our presence in the Greater China market. This market offers great potential and Disney's entry into pay-TV in Hong Kong is a milestone in the rapid growth and expansion of Walt Disney TV International across the region".

WDTVI-AP will offer local language options to subscribers of Disney Channel in Hong Kong who will be able to choose from three language tracks -- English, Mandarin or Cantonese -- by the end of the year. Selected shows will also be subtitled in Chinese. Subscribers to Playhouse Disney Channel will also be offered the same language configuration over time. Disney Channel is already subtitled and dubbed in other Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia and Korea.