The launch of the two channels was postponed as the necessary permissions from the Union information and broadcasting ministry as well as the Department of Telecommunication for importing decoders were delayed.

Sources said the customs department has now cleared the decoders which are being distributed among cable operators. Earlier, MEN had gone in for a soft launch when Hallmark was made available free-to-air in the country.

The new channels represent two different genres. While Hallmark, owned by Hallmark Cards, is a premium channel showing movies and series exclusively made for the channel, Kermit is a children's entertainment channel mainly showing cartoons and moppet series.

Media analysts feel it would be interesting to see the kind of support the channels get from cable operators. The biggest hurdlewould arise from the fact that both are pay channels, analysts added.

Significantly, Turner International's Cartoon Network has made a dent in its reach following its decision to go pay. In such a situation one more pay channel showing cartoons may be a difficult proposition, analysts stated.

On the other hand, Hallmark may be able to foray into the country's cable television market with its premium movies and serials.

Analysts added that with STAR Plus commissioning more Hindi serials, Hallmark may be able to get a fair amount of viewership. Significantly, BBC Prime, another channel showing premium English serials, has also postponed its launch. Thus, there is a good reason to believe that Hallmark should do well in the country, analysts said.