It's Official:
November 9. 2004
In the event that you have been wondering what is up with Bravo HD+ and all of those repeats, here is a bit of news to warn the cockles of your heart. _Dale
NBC Universal Cable Rebrands Bravo HD+ to 'Universal HD'
'Universal HD' to Offer Hundreds of Hours of HD Programming Featuring Best HD Content from the NBC Universal Library
Englewood Cliffs, NJ – November 9, 2004 – NBC Universal Cable will relaunch Bravo HD+ to Universal HD, offering the best programming from the NBC Universal library in HD, beginning December 1, it was announced today by David Zaslav, President, NBC Universal Cable and Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Cross-Network Strategy.
"The acquisition of Universal provided us with an opportunity to offer an even more compelling HD service," said Zaslav. "The launch of Universal HD is a testament to our commitment to offer more meaningful content that meets the needs of our distributors and viewers. It is the first of many ways that NBC Universal will deliver high-quality programming on a new platform such as HD and VOD."
"The extensive NBC Universal library allowed us to create the pre-eminent entertainment HD service," said Gaspin. "There is a lot of excitement around HD right now, and we wanted to be ahead of the curve with the highest-quality HD programming out there. We are drawing from all corners of NBC Universal's vast entertainment and sports libraries to provide a channel with appeal to viewers and cable operators. This is the kind of entertainment channel owners of HD sets have been asking for."
At launch the network will be available to more than 25 million subscribers through distribution deals with DIRECTV, Cablevision, Cox, Insight, Mediacom, Voom and others.
Universal HD will feature blockbuster films, unedited and uninterrupted, including "Backdraft," "Back to the Future," "Billy Madison," "Far and Away," "Jaws," "The River Wild" and "Sea of Love;" award-wining dramas including SCI FI's "Battlestar Galactica," USA's "The District," "Karen Sisco," "Law & Order: SVU" and "Monk;" top rated sports such as the US Open and the 2004 Summer Olympics and performance arts and entertainment.
Universal HD will be presented as Bravo HD+ was, as a distinct channel with its own unique schedule. Marketing efforts supporting Universal HD include targeted local and national digital HD campaigns. Additionally, NBC Universal will cross promote through its resources of broadcast and cable networks. Specific programming information and schedules will be available at a later date.
