China's state-owned Internet-based television station was launched in Beijing Monday morning, with more than 1,000 hours of programs every day.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, clicked a mouse to launch the website using the domain name of CNTV.cn, Xinmin.cn reported.

Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), which provides users with TV on demand, represents progress in the convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting networks, according to analysts.

Construction of the state IPTV network started early this year and cost 200 million yuan, or $29.3 million, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television revealed in February on its Web site, the Xinmin report said.

All programs shown on China Central Television's 20 channels will be available on the new network, according to Zhao Lifan, chief consultant of CCTV.com.

The programs include films, TV dramas, documentaries, news and programs featuring travel, weather, music, education, furniture, health and finance, Zhao added.

Besides the state network, there are three major IPTV networks operated by regional government-run television operators across the nation: Shanghai Media Group's Bbtv.cn, Hunan Province's Eagle Broadcasting System's Mango TV (tv.hunantv.com) and Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV's IPTV Web site V.ifeng.com.

(CRIENGLISH.com, Shanghai Daily December 28, 2009)