JERICHO, N.Y., June 10, 2004 – On June 15, Rainbow Media, the nation's leading source of high-definition programming will launch Equator HD, a new channel dedicated to capturing the awe-inspiring sights, sounds and stories that define the world's most exotic and unique locations in today's most advanced viewing format. Available exclusively on VOOM, the first comprehensive high-definition satellite television service, Equator HD will feature an eclectic mix of breathtaking documentaries, films and video essays that illustrate these incredible world destinations and offer a rarely seen glimpse inside fascinating cultural traditions as seen through the eyes of people who call these places "home."
"The goal of Equator HD is to savor natural sights and sounds, and make viewers feel like they are actually in the hills of Tuscany or the mountains of Tibet," said Bill Roberts, Vice President of Programming, Equator HD . "The unrivalled clarity of high-definition and immersive 5.1 surround sound allows viewers to fully experience the stories of people, places and cultural traditions as they unfold."
Equator HD will serve as a guide to the ceremonies, celebrations and rituals of both man and nature giving the viewer the feeling of being in the moment through visually-stunning HD format. The initial programming will enable viewers to explore a wide range of cultures and countries, from the picturesque country sides of Europe, to the farthest ends of the Far East. Highlights include:
- "Eye Over" – reveals spectacular aerial views of the picturesque European countryside of England, France and Italy.
- "Shirikami Mountains: Legacy of the Beech Forest" – documents one year in this Japanese UNESCO world heritage site as the passing seasons take their toll on the Beech trees and the wildlife that inhabits the forest.
- "Heavenly Maidens Dance Again" – examines a traditional Cambodian cultural dance, that was suppressed by the Communist government and survived due to the courage and strength of one woman.
- Video essays from India, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Egypt seen through the eyes of locals.
Greg Moyer, President, Rainbow Regional Programming added, "With Equator HD we look forward to working with some of the world's most acclaimed cinematographers to capture life in the exotic corners of the world. This unique addition to VOOM's HD Originals allows viewers to see the world's most fantastic places without leaving their home."
Equator HD is one of the VOOM HD Originals, an all-inclusive package of 21 commercial-free channels created by Rainbow Media and available exclusively to subscribers of VOOM, the first television service to offer a comprehensive array of HD programming to customers throughout the continental United States. In addition to Equator HD, the VOOM HD Originals include exclusive HD coverage of international soccer on WorldSport HD; unique animation entertainment on Animania HD; artistic masterpieces from around the world on Gallery HD; an inside look at exclusive live auctions on Auction HD; spine-chilling movies brought to life in hi-def on Monsters HD; 24/7 news shot in native HD on HDNews; experimental non-narrative video art on MOOV; the latest pop music concerts on Rave HD; in-your-face action sports on Rush HD; the best in fashion, food and fine living on Ultra HD; and HD Cinema 10, a 10-channel multiplex of uncut, commercial-free movies in HD, including Divine HD ? the first ever high-definition 24/7 gay movie channel.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
The exclusive VOOM HD Originals package of 21 commercial-free HD channels was created by Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; as well as the on-demand services: Mag Rack, Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media's other businesses include its regional programming services ? MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks ? in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.
About VOOM and Rainbow DBS
VOOM, provided by Rainbow DBS, Cablevision System Corporation's satellite division, 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 more than 35 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 HDTV and Cinemax HDTV. VOOM also features an exclusive package of brand-new, commercial-free channels such as WorldSport, Epics and Animania. The service also includes more than 80 of the most popular cable channels in standard-definition (SD), 18 digital music channels, and 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; 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 www.voom.com