Great News for Voom
VOOM Delivers High-Definition Advantage With Nearly 40 HD Channels
Backed by Full Array of Popular Standard-Definition Cable Networks
Set to Expand Capacity Enabling VOOM to Offer More Than 355 Channels
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- CES Booth #26103 -- VOOM, the first
comprehensive high-definition (HD) satellite television service, extends its
leadership in HD programming by delivering a more robust HD lineup backed by a
full array of popular cable networks in standard-definition (SD). In
addition, VOOM recently announced that in March of this year its capacity will
expand significantly, enabling it to increase from its current total of 130
channels to 355 HD and SD channels.
"Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening our HD leadership,
increasing our SD offerings considerably and enhancing our VOOM HD Originals
programming," said Tom Dolan, CEO of Rainbow Media Enterprises. "Continuing
to expand our channel capacity this year will enable us to remain the leading
provider of HD content with an attractive collection of cable favorites and
premium services in SD."
Increased Capacity Means Bigger and Better Programming
VOOM's increased capacity will allow its HD lineup to grow from 39
channels to 71 channels. In addition, VOOM plans to simultaneously add nearly
200 SD channels. To facilitate the expansion, VOOM is leasing 16 transponders
on the SES Americom AMC-6 satellite, which VOOM refers to as "Rainbow 2."
The Most HD ... Period.
With nearly 40 HD channels, VOOM delivers more than twice the HD
programming of any other cable or satellite provider. The centerpiece of this
compelling offer is VOOM HD Originals, 21 commercial-free channels exclusive
to VOOM and broadcast entirely in HD that offer a wide variety of programming,
including movies, concerts, animated specials and sports.
Most recently, as part of this lineup, VOOM introduced Equator HD,
featuring travelogues from around the globe, and HDNews, the first and only
24/7 national, high-definition news channel.
Rainbow Media also re-launched HD Movie Channels, part of VOOM HD
Originals. This multiplex of uncut, commercial-free movies includes 193
popular titles acquired recently from Miramax, as well as an extensive library
from earlier deals with studios such as Lion's Gate Entertainment, Castle
Hill, MGM, Warner Brothers and Paramount.
HD Movie Channels include:
Divine HD - Gay and lesbian favorites and the campiest movies around
Family Room HD - Movies suitable for all ages
Film Fest HD - A selection of independent movies and documentaries
Gunslingers HD - Good old-fashioned westerns
Guy TV HD - TV for the "Average Joe" featuring all the movies men love
ha ha HD - High-definition fun and laughs
Kung Fu HD - A line-up of Kung Fu, martial arts and anime
The Majestic HD - Pre-1970 films in black and white and Technicolor
Monsters HD - Spine-chilling movies brought to life in hi-def
Vice HD - Films about lawbreakers and those who bring them to justice
World Cinema HD - Global classics, award-winners and foreign films
"VOOM customers receive the most HD, full of fresh and diverse programs,"
said Nora Ryan, co-general manager of VOOM HD Originals. "Rainbow Media is
continuing to invest in and enhance its VOOM HD Originals to make this the
most robust package of HD programming available."
As part of its focus on sports, VOOM is broadening its lineup of
international offerings. WorldSport HD, one of the VOOM HD Originals, holds
the exclusive US broadcast rights to Euroleague basketball and World Junior
Hockey Championships. Euroleague Basketball is one of the world's most
electrifying and popular international professional sports leagues. Beginning
in January 2005, WorldSport HD will present a live "Euroleague Game of the
Week" throughout the remainder of the regular season and extensive post-season
broadcasts highlighted by complete coverage of the Euroleague Final Four in
Moscow taking place May 6-8, 2005. Also, the coverage of the 2004-2005 IIHF
World Junior Hockey Championships marks the first-time this internationally
renowned tournament will be broadcast in HD.
Comprehensive SD Programming Lineup
In addition to being the leading provider of HD content, VOOM continues to
significantly enhance its SD lineup of cable favorites, which now totals 87
channels.
"Complementing our industry leading HD lineup with SD programming that
viewers want and expect is a key element of our platform," added Mr. Dolan.
"VOOM will continue to aggressively add popular channels, providing VOOM
customers with even more choices to enrich their viewing experience."
Most recently, VOOM added Scripps Networks' Food Network and HGTV. Coming
attractions for Spring 2005 include the addition of the following popular
cable networks:
* BBC America
* CMT
* CNN International
* Discovery Home
* Discovery Kids
* Discovery Times
* DIY - Do It Yourself Network
* FINE LIVING
* Fox Movie Channel
* FSN Bay Area
* FSN New England
* FSN New York
* FSN Ohio
* GAC - Great American Country
* History International
* Military Channel
* MSG Network
* National Geographic Channel
* Reality 24-7
* Sunshine Network
* Superstation WGN
* The Science Channel
* Turner South
About VOOM and Rainbow DBS
VOOM, provided by Rainbow DBS, a subsidiary of Cablevision System
Corporation, is the first television service to provide a comprehensive array
of high-definition (HD) programming for the rapidly growing but underserved
HDTV audience. With a lineup of nearly 40 HD channels, VOOM delivers more HD
programming than any other satellite or cable service provider. VOOM's HD
lineup includes STARZ! HD, Encore HD, Showtime HD, Playboy Hot HD, ESPN HD,
HBO HD and Cinemax HD, as well as an exclusive package of brand-new,
commercial-free VOOM HD Originals such as WorldSport, Equator and Animania.
The service also includes 87 of the most popular cable channels in standard-
definition (SD), 23 digital music channels, and free over-the-air digital
broadcast channels in HD, where available. VOOM is offered across the
continental United States through local Sears retailers; at BrandsMart USA
stores; at Electronics Expo stores; through leading online retailer,
Crutchfield Corporation; and through O'Rourke Sales Company's independent
electronics retailers with approximately 10,000 locations in all 50 states.
Customers can also purchase the service by calling 1-800-GET-VOOM or by
visiting
http://www.voom.com.
Contact:
Bo Park/Rainbow DBS
516-803-6068
bpark@voom.com
Ofer Erenfeld/Weber Shandwick
212-445-8172
oerenfeld@webershandwick.com