Universal TV (Australian TV channel)

Universal TV (formerly Hallmark Channel and Universal Channel) is an Australian cable and satellite television channel, owned and operated by NBCUniversal International Networks. It has been available on most subscription television platforms in Australia since 1998.[1]

Universal TV
CountryAustralia
SloganWe are for every kind of character.
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format576i (SDTV 16:9)
1080i (HDTV 16:9)
Ownership
OwnerNBCUniversal International Networks
Sister channelsCNBC Australia
E!
History
Launched1998
Former namesHallmark Channel
(1998-2010)
Universal Channel
(prior to June 2018)
Links
Websiteuniversaltv.com.au/
Availability
Cable
FoxtelChannel 114 (SD/HD)
Channel 214 (SD)
Optus TVChannel 112
TransACTChannel 34
Satellite
FoxtelChannel 114 (SD/HD)
Channel 214 (SD)
IPTV
Foxtel NowChannel 114
Fetch TVChannel 102 (HD)
Streaming media
Foxtel appChannel 114

History
Hallmark Channel logo (1998–2010)
Universal Channel logo used from 1 July 2010 till 31 December 2013
Universal Channel logo used from 2013 to 2018

The channel was added to Austar in April 1999.[2]

On 1 July 2010 the Hallmark Channel rebranded as the Universal Channel.[3] This rebrand saw the slogan In every life there is drama replaced with Characters Welcome as well as the channel converting from 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 widescreen picture format. It brought the introduction of new series, including two Australian premiere series, as well as returning to first seasons of almost all programs already aired.

On 1 February 2015, Universal Channel launched on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV.[4][5]

2014 channel rebranding

On 1 January 2014 the Universal Channel rebranded itself alongside other transformations to the Foxtel platform. Among the changes under the rebrand included the channel aligning itself with the international logo and slogan 100% Characters, launching Australian premiere series The Michael J. Fox Show, The Night Shift and the US adaptation of Rake and inherited series from the closure of TV1 including 30 Rock, Covert Affairs, Suits, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: CI.[6] In addition to the closure of TV1, this influx of programming was attributed to the end of the output agreement between NBCUniversal and Seven Network in mid 2013, allowing for more programming opportunities for Universal Channel.[7][8]

Additionally, Universal Channel moved to the basic tier of the Foxtel platform, as opposed to its previous placement in a premium package, allowing all subscribers to access the channel. Also, a two-hour timeshift channel launched on channel 162.[6][9]

As for the films broadcast on the channel, the channel not only airs films from Universal Pictures, but also airs films from other distributors such as Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Miramax Films.

Universal Channel HD

On 3 November 2014, Universal Channel launched a HD simulcast on Foxtel. In addition, it moved from channel 116 to channel 112 and Universal Channel + 2 moved from channel 162 to channel 155.[10] On June 1, 2018, Universal Channel became Universal TV

Programming

Universal TV currently airs a variety of international programs, including:

Former Programming

Prior to the 2014 format, The channel aired content from the original American Hallmark Channel, selected telemovies from America and the UK, along with classic and contemporary Australian drama series from Southern Star Entertainment.[14] A list of Australian produced shows broadcast on Universal TV prior to the 2014 format include:

Availability

Universal TV is part of most satellite and cablepay television providers in Australia, usually included in an extra or add-on package. Providers include Foxtel, Austar,[2] Optus TV and Neighbourhood Cable.

Ratings

Universal TV's ratings have increased from a 0.3% share in April 2007, to a 0.5% share in January 2010 (before the channel's re-branding). This is an 0.2% increase in almost 3 years.[17][18]

See also

References
  1. "Hallmark Channel Australia"., About Us
  2. Joyce, James (26 March 1999). "Friday Guide: Tunedin". Newcastle Herald. p. 6. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  3. Knox, David (28 May 2010). "Hallmark switch to Universal Channel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  4. Knox, David (9 December 2014). "Fetch TV adds BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  5. Perry, Kevin (9 December 2014). "Big Blow for Foxtel as they Lose Exclusive Rights for Premium Drama Channel BBC First". Nelbie. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  6. Knox, David (17 October 2013). "Universal Channel rebrands from January 1st". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
  7. Bodey, Michael (1 July 2013). "Millions to be saved as Seven ditches output deals in bid to 'cherry-pick' hits". The Australian. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  8. Groves, Don (17 October 2013). "Foxtel preps entertainment net". C21. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  9. "Summer Channel Changes". Foxtel. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
  10. Knox, David (3 November 2014). "BoxSets, Discovery Kids launch on Foxtel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  11. Law & Order: UK – Season 4. Australia: YouTube. 27 March 2014.
  12. Knox, David (16 April 2014). "Returning: Law and Order: UK". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  13. Knox, David (1 December 2014). "Airdate: The Librarians". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  14. "MultiChannelNetwork (MCN)"., Hallmark Channel details
  15. "All Saints". 111. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  16. "tvhitsprogchanges" (PDF). Foxtel. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  17. "Oztam Ratings – 27/12/2009-03/01/2010" (PDF). Oztam. Retrieved 13 April 2010.
  18. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 August 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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