Universal Channel (UK)
| Universal Channel | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | October 1999 |
| Owned by | Universal Networks International (NBCUniversal) |
| Picture format | 16:9, 576i (SDTV) 16:9, 1080i (HDTV) |
| Audience share | 0.4% 0.1% (+1) (June 2011, BARB) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Broadcast area | United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland |
| Formerly called | Hallmark Entertainment Network Hallmark Channel (until 18 October 2010) |
| Timeshift service | Universal Channel +1 |
| Website | www.universalchannel.co.uk |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| Sky | Channel 113 Channel 150 (+1) Channel 113 (HD Customers) |
| Sky Ireland | Channel 113 Channel 150 (+1) Channel 220 (HD) |
| Cable | |
| Virgin Media | Channel 162 Channel 163 (+1) |
| UPC Ireland | Channel 123 |
| Smallworld Cable | Channel 116 |
| IPTV | |
| TalkTalk TV | Channel 8 |
The Universal Channel is a television channel owned by NBCUniversal.
The channel mainly broadcasts United States imports including drama series and TV movies such as House MD and Law & Order. However the channel also screens British dramas including Hustle and Spooks, and Australian series like Sea Patrol and McLeod's Daughters. The channel specialises in programming that is appropriate for the whole family.
This channel is specific to audiences within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Contents |
[edit] History
The channel was previously owned by the privately-backed Sparrowhawk Media Group, until late 2007 when the company was bought by NBC Universal. It was previously known as the Hallmark Entertainment Network and the Hallmark Channel.
Coinciding with the launch of Hallmark Channel HD, Hallmark Channel became 16:9 widescreen capable on 28 June 2010.
[edit] 2010 rebrand
In June 2009, a memorandum leaked to the television trade newspaper Broadcast stated that NBC Universal planned to rebrand the Hallmark Channel as a Universal Channel in October 2009. The "Hallmark Channel" brand was licensed to NBC Universal from Crown Media (which operates the US Hallmark Channel) and was due to expire. An NBC Universal denied such a rebrand would happen.[1]
On 2 September 2010, Universal Networks International confirmed plans to rebrand the Hallmark Channel as the Universal Channel in the UK. On 18 October, the pay-TV channel and its timeshift and high definition variants became the Universal Channel, Universal Channel +1 and Universal Channel HD.[2]
The Universal Channel will give UK premieres to cop show Rookie Blue and legal drama Fairly Legal in early 2011. It will also air Shattered, which stars Callum Keith Rennie as a homicide detective suffering from multiple personality disorder.
On 1 December 2010, Universal Channel launched a specific feed which targets the Republic of Ireland. Universal Channel in Ireland airs localised advertising. The Irish feed does not include subtitles.[3] TV3 Ireland act as the Irish variation's advertising sales agents.[4]
[edit] Other channels
[edit] Universal Channel HD
Universal Channel HD, a high-definition simulcast, launched on Sky channel 220 (as the Hallmark Channel HD) on 28 June 2010 at 7pm.[5][6] Showing US shows like the Law & Order titles, CSI and Without a Trace in high definition.[7]
[edit] Hallmark 2
In July 2005, there were rumours that Sparrowhawk were going to launch a sister channel to the Hallmark Channel, called Hallmark 2.[8] This was denied by a spokesperson for Hallmark who said that "a second channel from Hallmark will not be launching 'anytime soon'".[9] Movies 24 was launched instead.
[edit] Current programming
- 7th Heaven
- Blue Murder
- Cold Case
- Columbo
- Crossing Jordan
- CSI: NY
- Diagnosis: Murder
- Eastwick
- Fairly Legal
- Harry's Law
- House
- Law & Order
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
- McLeod's Daughters
- The Mentalist
- Monk
- Perry Mason
- Psych
- Quincy, M.E.
- Rescue: Special Ops
- Rookie Blue
- Royal Pains
- Sea Patrol
- Shattered
- Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye
- Without a Trace
[edit] Former programming
- Agatha Christie's Poirot
- Bonanza
- Conviction
- Damages
- The District (now on CBS Action)
- Gilmore Girls (now on E4)
- Hogan's Heroes
- Hustle
- Intelligence
- JAG (now on CBS Action)
- The Secret World of Alex Mack
- Spooks
- Touched by an Angel (now on CBS Drama)
- Walker, Texas Ranger (now on CBS Action)
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Shepherd, Robert (25 June 2009). "NBC plans to ditch Hallmark UK brand". Broadcast (Emap Media). Retrieved on 25 June 2009.
- ^ "Hallmark Channel to rebrand as Universal". Digital Spy. 2 September 2010. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/news/a271434/hallmark-channel-to-rebrand-as-universal.html.
- ^ "Subtitles in Ireland - From 1st December". Universal Channel. 29 November 2010. http://www.universalchannel.co.uk/forum/subtitles-ireland-1st-december.
- ^ "Universal ad deal secured by TV3". The Irish Post. 26 December 2010. http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/universal-ad-deal-secured-by-tv3-53596.html.
- ^ "Sky Extends High Definition Leadership with HD Channel Milestone". British Sky Broadcasting. 12 March 2010. http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2010/HD_channel_milestone.htm.
- ^ "Hallmark Channel HD Launches Tonight on Sky 220". PR Newswire. 28 June 2010. http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=290841.
- ^ "Hallmark Channel HD to launch tonight". Digital Spy. 28 June 2010. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/news/a234922/hallmark-channel-hd-to-launch-tonight.html.
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
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