Barker channel

A barker channel is a TV channel that is used almost entirely for promotion and advertising, usually marketing various features of the service carrying the channel.

There are several of these channels on digital cable systems and especially on direct broadcast satellite systems like DirecTV. On interactive TV systems, these also allow for ordering of pay-per-view TV programs or other pay TV services. The TV Guide Channel can also be considered somewhat of a barker channel, though it now carries a lot of full-length programming.

Barker channels are normally free-to-view or occasionally free-to-air, even without a subscription. This also indicates success in installation of satellite systems, and particularly in aiming small satellite dishes.