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Cox Communications to carry Hallmark Movie Channel HD
Another month, another carrier picking up Hallmark Movie Channel HD. This time, we see Cox Communications landing an agreement with Crown Media Holdings in order to distribute the high-definition feed of Hallmark Movie Channel. The operator currently beams out the SD flavor along with Hallmark Channel, but this newly inked multi-year agreement ensures that fans of the network will soon be seeing an HD version. Exactly how soon, unfortunately, remains unanswered.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD could hit Cablevision
Since launching in Q1 2008, Hallmark Movie Channel HD has found its way onto Time Warner Cable and DirecTV, and now it has discovered yet another home: Cablevision. A recently announced agreement between the carrier and Crown Media Holdings will give it the "right to distribute both the standard-definition and high-definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel," though it's not specifically stated if it will choose to carry the HD variant. Sure, it's not the most thrilling possibility, but one additional high-def option is better than none, we suppose.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD headed to Time Warner Cable
Nothing too groundbreaking here, but for fans of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, you can rest assured that it'll remain on Time Warner Cable systems for awhile longer. Reportedly, the cable operator has just renewed its distribution agreement with Crown Media Holdings for "a multi-year term." Under the new deal, TWC "will have the right to continue its distribution of Hallmark Channel as well as the opportunity for distribution of both the standard-definition and high-definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel." If you'll recall, we were previously left in the dark as to where HMC HD would actually launch -- now, it seems we have our answer. If only things were this easy with NFL Network... [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Hallmark Movie Channel HD targets April launch date, but where?
Hallmark Movie Channel set a date for bringing its "whole-family" library of flicks to HDTV format, April 2. DirecTV will be first with the channel, but if your provider gets the SD feed, they will get HD at no additional cost, hopefully meaning only bandwidth considerations can stand in the way of a speedy rollout. Viewers can expect one large programming event per quarter, starting with the miniseries Son of the Dragon. The only bad news to report for fans of the network is that while a high definition version of the regular Hallmark Channel is coming, it probably won't be ready in 2008.Update: Multichannel News has updated its article, apparently realizing that since DirecTV doesn't have Hallmark Movie Channel, it would be somewhat difficult to carry the HD version. So, this channel will debut April 2...somewhere.
HD version of Hallmark Movie Channel coming in Q1 2008
Those who've found themselves skipping right over the Hallmark Movie Channel solely due to its standard-definition nature can start rejoicing, as Crown Media Holdings is reportedly set to launch an HD simulcast of the station next year. Henry Schleiff, president and CEO of Crown Media, owner of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, "unveiled plans for Hallmark Movie Channel HD during a second-quarter conference call," and he also noted that it would "include the presentation of many Hallmark Channel original movies in their pure high-definition form." No word on a hard launch date just yet, but look for it to show up sometime in Q1 2008.
