Voom HD Networks has bolstered its programming lineup in the kids and family arenas via a trio of acquisitions.
Voom’s Family Room HD bought 28 half-hour installments of RenegadePress.com from FilmOption International, which debuted on Sept. 15, plus 52 half-hour episodes of Animal Atlas from Midori that are slated to bow Oct. 2.
For its part, Animania HD secured the first season of the new 3D animated preschool series Katakune, produced by Character Farm Pt. Ltd. of Singapore, from North American distributor Princ Films. As part of the agreement, Animania HD has the U.S.HD TV rights for the first 52 episodes of the series, which will make its Stateside premiere on the network’s preschool block sometime in November, according to Voom officials.
RenegadePress.com follows the work and crew of an underground ezine, while Animal Atlas explores various aspects of wildlife. In Katakunes, a tiny silk worm shows children simple ways to deal with complex concepts of social responsibility, friendship, life skills and value systems.
“As we continue to grow our library of quality high-definition content in both animation and live action, we are thrilled to offer our viewers more programs that are engaging and entertaining for kids of all ages - from preschool through tweens,” said Keith O'Connell, vice president of programming for Family Room HD and Animania HD, in a statement. “Family Room HD and Animania HD are the only family and kids true HD channels available 24/7 and commercial-free, and through the power of true HD, we will allow these three series to take on astonishing new depth and detail.”
All told, Voom has 15 HD channels that are available in the U.S. on Echostar's Dish Network and Cablevision Systems Corp.’s iO digital-cable service. Voom is part of Rainbow Media Holdings, which is also owned by Cablevision.
