TV Guide Network said Bright House Networks has launched the channel in full-screen and HD form under a newly signed carriage extension with Time Warner Cable and BHN.
The roll-out includes all of BHN markets, the network said: Bakersfield, Orlando, Tampa, Indianapolis, Birmingham and Detroit.
BHN buys programming in conjunction with Time Warner Cable, which signed a carriage extension that also will include more full-screen (meaning without a scrolling TV listing) and high-definition launches, a network representative said. The network's release only mentioned the BHN launches. The network rep said most Time Warner Cable conversions to full-screen format would occur in the fourth quarter. TWC's New York City system currently carries full-screen HD TV Guide Network.
"As we continue to expand and bolster TV Guide Network's entertainment programming line-up, full-screen and HD have become critical to the viewing experience," Friday Abernethy, EVP, affiliate sales and marketing, at TV Guide Network said in today's release. "The carriage extension with Bright House and other recently announced distribution agreements will bring our full screen penetration to 80% of our total distribution by the end of 2011."
TV Guide Network, which cites carriage in 82 million homes, has been evolving over the years from a channel whose primary function was a localized program grid that would scroll upward on the TV screen.
The channel is owned by Lionsgate and One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase, and runs off-network reruns of series including Weeds, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ugly Betty, along with entertainment specials and some new original series, including Nail Files.
