SmithsonianChannel
Latest
HD channel expansion roundup
Once upon a time, a smattering of new HD channels in one major metropolitan area was a huge deal. Nowadays, it's almost expected that one area or another will experience some HD expansion each week. In order to keep things nice and tidy around here, we deliver high-def expansions, market expansions and anything else dealing with HD channel growth right here. If we missed an area that you're familiar with, drop us a line in comments so everyone can catch up. The more the merrier, we say! Read - Time Warner Cable launches Smithsonian Channel in high definition Read - Brighthouse Tampa Bay adds Fox News, MLB Network, SPEED, WGN America, CNBC, AMC, Bio, WZRA (Thanks, Kaylan) Read - Comcast adds Speed/FX/Fox News in New Jersey (Thanks, Sriram) Read - Massive Comcast additions coming to Ann Arbor "Soon" (Thanks, Jordan) Read - Verizon adds 8 new HD channels in Tampa Bay (Thanks, Mike)
Smithsonian Networks inks deal with Canadian HD broadcaster
Smithsonian has already landed a deal to get its high-definition content seen overseas, but now it's looking to share content with our neighbors to the north. Smithsonian Networks has announced a new deal with leading Canadian HD broadcaster High Fidelity HDTV that will see its HD material aired on Oasis HD, Equator HD and Treasure HD -- three of the all-HD channels operated by High Fidelity in Canada. According to the release, Smithsonian Networks programming will be added to the broadcast schedules of the aforementioned channels "within weeks," so at least you folks up there won't be waiting too terribly long to enjoy, eh?
ATMC Cable adds in Smithsonian HD
While many cable customers stuck with TWC, Charter, Cox or any of the other mega-cable carriers out there can't buy an HD channel, the relatively diminutive ATMC Cable is making sure its tiny footprint of North Carolina subscribers are getting the most for their dollar. Continuing its slow but steady rollout of high-def options, the outfit has just thrown Smithsonian HD into the mix. The channel lands softly on slot 961 and becomes partners with HDNet, HDNet Movies, HD Theater, Universal HD, National Geographic HD and MOJO HD in the appropriately titled HD Suite. Best of all, the company has promised even more offerings in the coming weeks, most notably USA HD and PBS HD.
The Smithsonian Channel HD comes to RCN
First came DirecTV, then came Charter and Verizon, and now -- at long last -- RCN cable subscribers can look forward to fixing their eyes on The Smithsonian Channel HD. Sure enough, the network managed to land a high-definition carriage agreement with RCN Corporation, and while we're left to assume that it'll be hitting all of the firm's nationwide systems (please, pretty please!), we are told that this deal brings the channel's availability up to some 22.5 million households across the US. Sadly, a definitive launch date wasn't mentioned, but be sure to keep a close eye on that EPG, alright?
The Smithsonian Channel HD coming to Charter, FiOS TV
Nearly five months after The Smithsonian Channel HD landed on DirecTV, the channel is now well on its way to Charter and FiOS TV systems. Sure enough, Smithsonian Channel has "reached affiliate agreements" with both Charter Communications and Verizon, and yes, the deals do include the SD and HD versions along with Smithsonian Channel On Demand content. Interestingly, no actual launch dates were announced for either carrier, but according to the release, Smithsonian Channel is looking forward to "announcing other distribution agreements over the next few months." Keep an eye on that EPG, you two sects.
