Launch Marks VOOM HD Networks' Continued Global Expansion
New York, NY – April 7, 2008 – VOOM HD Networks has announced the launch of its 24/7 linear RUSH HD channel on Sky's digital satellite platform. RUSH HD, a high-definition (HD) channel devoted to extreme sports and adrenaline-filled travel, debuts as part of Sky's HD channel lineup on April 7. This news represents the first international launch of RUSH HD, a move fueled by the channel's success in the United States, and furthers the global expansion strategy of VOOM HD Networks. The launch of RUSH will increase the number of dedicated linear HD channels available on the Sky platform to 17.
"In launching our global RUSH HD channel, we are satisfying the surging interest in both quality HD television and extreme sports around the world. We are looking forward to working with Sky – a true digital entertainment leader – as we enter Europe's #1 entertainment market," said Greg Moyer, General Manager of VOOM HD Networks.
Hilary Perchard, Head of Advanced TV Products, BSkyB added: "In launching Sky HD we have sought to deliver both the depth and breadth of HD content that our customers demand from us. Sky offers a comprehensive HD service across movies, sport, documentaries, drama and entertainment. With the addition of RUSH HD, we believe our customers will enjoy even more choice and value from the UK's most popular HD service. We remain committed to making the best content available in high-definition right across the schedule."
RUSH HD is a 24/7 high-definition channel, delivered in 1080i format high-definition with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Its pulse-pounding programming includes adrenaline-packed competitions featuring some of the world's best athletes across a wide range of sports and one-of-a-kind expeditions into remote, uncharted territories. RUSH HD takes viewers into the heart of action sports, with terrifying, exhilarating and extraordinary moments captured in true high-definition-an experience that redefines the genre, both technically and creatively. The channel is transmitted into the UK and throughout Europe on Eurobird 1. RUSH HD is the second VOOM HD Networks channel deployed internationally and further expands the RUSH HD brand into Europe.
In addition to the 24/7 channel, Sky will make selected programming from RUSH HD available on the Sky Anytime on PC service. RUSH HD is represented by international broadcaster and distributor of thematic channels Chello Zone.
Added Glenn Oakley, VOOM HD Networks' Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development: "This is truly exciting, and we couldn't be happier to introduce RUSH HD to action sports fans on such a successful platform as Sky."
Sky's award-winning HD service is the company's fastest ever selling additional television product with 422,000 subscribers signing up to the service in just over 18 months since launch. The UK's only nationwide HD service, with the addition of RUSH, will offer 17 dedicated linear channels showing over 7,000 hours worth of HD content each month.
RUSH HD will feature such signature series as:
- Nomads – Following the journeys of extreme sports' top athletes, adrenaline junkies who live life on the edge to stay at the top of their games.
- The P.I.G. Competitions – Featuring top athletes from around the world in BMX, MotoCross, Skiing and Snowboarding twists on the classic "P.I.G." competition.
- The North Face Expedition Series – Combining super-human feats of athleticism in travels to remote and stunning locations.
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks (www.voom.com) comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition channels for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. VOOM HD Networks' 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. VOOM HD, a 24/7 international linear channel, is currently distributed in Europe and Asia. Building on Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed by Rainbow to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.
About BSkyB
Sky is the UK's leading entertainment company and operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Around 21 million viewers in 8.8 million households enjoy an unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels and interactive services on Sky Digital, the UK and Ireland's most watched pay television service.
Sky's aim is to offer customers unparalleled choice in content, delivered through innovative and technological advanced platforms that best serve the demands of today's viewers. In addition to its digital television service, Sky also provides the UK's largest 3G mobile TV service (Sky Mobile TV) and offers the only multi-platform on-demand video service (Sky Anytime).
Over 3.1 million customers use Sky+, Sky's digital video recorder, to record and store their favourite programmes to watch them when they want. In May 2006, Sky evolved the television viewing experience yet further with the launch of the high definition television service, Sky HD.