CableVision is introducing three new digital channels ? two are being added to CableVision?s Variety Tier at no extra cost.

However, SportsMax ? a Caribbean-based, 24-hour sports channel ? will probably cost an extra $15 but could help appease angry fans of English Premiership football who have missed out on league action because of the blackout by Fox Sports World.

CableVision Sales Manager Rollin Nathan said: ?We?re delighted to be able to offer SportsMax.

?Fans can now watch English Premier League football, the FA Cup next year, and lots of great cricket action, including the West Indies test matches in Australia this month, South Africa in Australia starting in December, and the VB Cup next year. This is sure to be a hit with our viewers.?

SportsMax is now showing on Channel 350, where CableVision is offering a free preview to all its digital customers.

?SportsMax is still fine-tuning some technical issues on their side but we anticipate they will soon be resolved.

?We will then seek permission from the Ministry of Telecommunications and E-Commerce to offer SportsMax as a separate digital tier with a monthly fee of $15.

?In the meantime, however, we wanted sports fans have a chance to sample the channel via this free preview.?

The channel will also show basketball, track and field, go-karting, surfing, volleyball, pool, tennis and polo.

CableVision is also introducing two new free channels on the Variety tier.

Tempo, MTV?s new cable television network dedicated exclusively to Caribbean music and culture, is now on channel 125 serving up a mix of music, movies and documentaries, series from local Caribbean networks, sporting events and specials.

Finding the Caribbean to be a culturally rich and trend-setting community with international appeal, MTV Networks has introduced the channel first to the Caribbean, with a US launch planned for 2006.

MTV is partnering with artiste Wyclef Jean who will offer his insight and assistance in developing the network?s tone and content.

The Word Network, billed as the Urban Religious Channel, has been added to CableVision?s digital Variety Tier, on channel 145.

Catering to an urban, primarily African-American audience, the Word Network carries national and regional ministerial programmes, contemporary and traditional Gospel music, historic profiles of black Americans and uplifting family programming.