225 New Hours of Top High-Definition Content Available to Global Buyers
New York, NY – March 30, 2007 – Continuing to build on its extensive catalogue of international program offerings, VOOM HD Networks has added 225 new hours of stunning high-definition (HD) original content to its agreement with iD Distribution. Today's news marks the fifth recent expansion to Rainbow's VOOM HD catalogue represented internationally by the independent distributor.
"The iD team has done a great job garnering international distribution for VOOM HD," said Glenn Oakley, VOOM HD Networks' Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development. "As the worldwide appetite for HD content continues to grow exponentially, we have worked hard to meet that demand by continuing to add to VOOM HD's rich catalogue. We look forward to seeing what iD can do with this newest content."
Added iD Distribution's Managing Director Sally Miles: "VOOM has become adept at meeting the entertainment needs of its growing audience with visually stunning and fascinating content, and we're thrilled to present this new array of crystal-clear HD programming to international program buyers."
iD Distribution has been working with Rainbow Media (Rainbow Media Holdings LLC) to drive foreign sales for VOOM HD, WE tv, IFC, LIFESKOOL and, most recently, fuse. Since launching its global expansion initiative just over a year ago, Rainbow Media-through iD Distribution-has sold more than 1,000 hours of programming from its VOOM HD, WE tv, IFC, LIFESKOOL and SPORTSKOOL brands to broadcasters all over the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Australia, New Zealand and India.
Among the top new VOOM HD offerings being represented by iD Distribution are:
Ultra HD
- Full Frontal Fashion 2007: (64 x 60' & 12 x 30') – This series presents the hottest looks straight from the spring and fall 2007 runway collections of today's most talked about designers.
- Kick Up Your Heels: A Full Frontal Special: (1 x 60') – Guest-hosted by model/actress Beth Ostrowsky, this one-hour special edition of America's top fashion program celebrates women's romance with shoes.
Treasure HD
- Chasing History Home (14 x 60') – This series gives viewers an insider's look at the places famous historical figures once called "home," including the Winchester Mystery House, FDR's family estate, Alcatraz and William Shakespeare's childhood home.
Magnificent Obsessions (13 x 30' NEW episodes) – This original series profiles people who have turned their everyday interests into a passion that drives their lives, including Civil War re-enactors, glider-plane junkies and more!
Treasure Seekers (6 x 60' NEW episodes) – Hosted by Elyse Luray, this series takes viewers around the globe to see some of the most coveted collectibles at the largest and most famous antique shows and flea markets.
Rush HD
Tanner & Travis (3 x 60') – These three specials include athlete profiles and the epic New Zealand rides of two winter sport pros: freeskier Tanner Hall and big mountain snowboarder Travis Rice.
The Northface Expedition (2 x 90' NEW episodes) – New episodes from the series that travels to some of the world's most remote and visually spectacular locations, spotlighting The North Face's Global Giving Philanthropic Expedition Program.
Y2006-2007 Events (5 x 60') – With athlete profiles and break-neck competition, this series covers several winter sporting events produced during the 2006-2007 season, including the JEEP U.S. Freeskiing Open, Chevrolet Snowboard Grand Prix and more.
Equator HD
Day of the Dead (1 x 60') – Sadness meets joy in this documentary's coverage of an ancient and vibrant Mexican festival with Mayan roots. Viewers get an inside look at the celebration, the tradition's history and the Mexican people's unique view of death.
Semana Santa (1 x 60') – This special explores Semana Santa, the most sacred and festive time in Antigua Guatemala, when thousands of purple-robed Cucuruchos march through cobble-stoned streets carrying miraculous images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
GamePlay HD
World Series of Video Games (11 x 60') – With exclusive highlights on and off the competition floor, this series tracks the rise of the hottest sports revolution in recent years and the establishment of the world's premier international gaming circuit.
Frag Files (2 x 30') – This original series goes behind the scenes to follow the making of the next generation of video games and consoles, with interviews of game designers, developers, actors, writers and animators, including X-Men 3 creator Stan Lee.
GameSpotting (36 x 30') – The #1 source for gaming information, this series explores the best of HD gaming, with exclusive game trailer previews, reviews from the editors of Gamespot.com, and interviews of the top video game editors, designers and publishers.
WorldSport
Motorsport Ranch (13 x '60) – This original docu-competition series gives viewers an insider's look at a country club where motoring enthusiasts can indulge their racing fantasies in head-to-head competition.
Alpine Chronicles (9 x 60' NEW episodes) – Revealing the heart and soul of alpine racing, this series looks at the day-to-day lives of a few athletes as they prepare for some of the most formidable challenges of the World Cup Alpine Circuit.
Additionally, iD Distribution will represent several new high-definition segments from SPORTSKOOL, Rainbow's On-Demand Network dedicated to delivering in-depth one-on-one sports training and expert instruction with world class athletes. Highlights include:
BMX (6 x 10') – Go to extremes learning basic through advanced BOX biking. BMX legends Jay Miron, Chad Kagy, Alistair Whitton and Gary Young teach riders all the tricks, including tailwhips, X-ups, turndowns and wallrides.
Snowboarding (4 x 15') – Get pops, hops and tabletops with snowboarding pros Travis Rice and Zach Leach. You'll be riding Cab 540s, frontslide boardslides and tailslide 270s in no time.
Skiing (17 x 10') – World class skier Bode Miller and U.S. Men's Alpine coach Phil McNichol teach skiers of all levels the techniques needed to master the slopes.
About iD Distribution
iD Distribution is a dynamic company launched in 2004 with the investment backing of Ingenious Media. Working with some of the top UK and US production companies and broadcasters representing a new and exciting catalogue of programs and formats in the entertainment, factual, reality and lifestyle genres, iD Distribution is committed to providing the best service to production companies and broadcasters.
About VOOM HD Networks
Rainbow's VOOM HD Networks comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition content for distribution through satellite and cable operators. With programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art, the VOOM HD Networks are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network. The 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available globally. It is currently distributed in Scandinavia, Estonia and Latvia, and is debuting in Asia in April with the launch on PCCW's now TV. Similarly, select VOOM HD programming is available worldwide and has been licensed to viewers in more than 50 countries. Building on Rainbow's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages LIFESKOOL and SPORTSKOOL, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.