RCN picks up seven of Viacom's HD channels
RCN's hardly the first to go for Viacom's 7-pack of HD channels, but we're sure fans of Ultimate Warrior, The Hills, The Daily Show, iCarly and other programs will be glad to have them. Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1 and BET go live today, with HD video on-demand offerings hitting servers July 1. RCN's claiming 100 HD VOD viewing choices, just a few thousand or so behind Comcast at this point, but we figure an upgrade is an upgrade, and at least on RCNyou can watch them on a TiVo Premiere, so there's that right?
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RCN Expands Its High Definition Lineup to Include Seven New MTV Networks and BET Networks HD Channels
HERNDON, VA, Jun 22, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI) added seven new MTV Networks and BET Networks High Definition (HD) channels to its lineup today. The channels include MTV Networks' COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1 and BET Networks' BET. Programming will also be available free on RCN's Video ON DEMAND (VOD) beginning July 1, which will increase the HD content in RCN's VOD library to more than 100 viewing choices.
"Thanks to our conversion to an all-digital network, RCN is a leader in providing HD programming. We are pleased to add these seven HD channels from the MTV and BET Networks," said RCN's Strategic External Affairs & Programming Senior Vice President Richard Ramlall. "In keeping with our commitment to provide the widest amount of viewing choices for our subscribers, these networks, with their highly entertaining content, are a perfect fit."
RCN Corporation is a leading provider of all-digital and high definition video, high-speed Internet, and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, PA, as well as high-capacity transport services to carrier and large enterprise customers.
The seven HD channels added include:
COMEDY CENTRAL knows what's funny. Just like its audience, the only all-comedy network is innovative, irreverent, clever and smart with a provocative programming schedule that is overflowing with Emmy(R) and Peabody(R) Award-winning original series, stand-up and sketch comedy, plus offbeat comedy TV series and movies.
CMT is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 90 million homes in the United States. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and remain the top resource for country music on demand.
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 28 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen.
Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Its rich and varied daytime menu features live action, comedies and Emmy Award-winning animation. Nickelodeon's nighttime programming block, Nick at Nite, features popular modern-day family comedies.
BET is the world's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. BET reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
Spike speaks to the bold, adventuresome side of men with action-packed entertainment, including a mix of comedy, blockbuster movies, sports, innovative originals and live events.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most. Its programs not only reflect what's important in music and pop culture -- they define it -- which is why VH1 is the right source for adults in more than 95 million homes nationwide.
About RCN Corporation RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI), http://www.rcn.com, is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed Internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)
