| Investigation Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1996 |
| Owned by | Discovery Communications, Inc. |
| Picture format | 480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Headquarters | Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Formerly called | Discovery Civilization Network: The World History and Geography Channel (1996-1998) Discovery Civilization Channel (1998-2003) Discovery Times (2003-2008) |
| Sister channel(s) | Discovery Channel TLC Animal Planet OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Planet Green Discovery Fit & Health The Hub Military Channel Science Velocity |
| Website | http://www.investigationdiscovery.com |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | Channel 285 Channel 1285 (VOD) |
| Dish Network | Channel 192 (SD/HD) |
| C-Band | AMC 11-Channel 614 (4DTV Digital) |
| n (Poland) | Channel 136 |
| Cable | |
| Available on many cable systems | Check local listings for channels |
| Verizon FiOS | Channel 123 (SD) Channel 623 (HD) |
| IPTV | |
| AT&T U-verse | Channel 260 (SD) Channel 1260 (HD) |
Investigation Discovery (commercially abbreviated and stylized as ID.) is a television network that is owned by Discovery Communications. The channel features documentary-style programming dealing with criminal investigations (primarily homicides), and other crime-related documentaries.
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The channel launched in 1996 under the name Discovery Civilization Network: The World History and Geography Channel. It was one of four digital networks rolled out by Discovery Communications simultaneously in October 1996.[1] Plans for the channel had surfaced in November 1994, when its working name was "Time Traveler".[2]
In April 2002, New York Times Television and Discovery Communications announced a joint venture to run the Discovery Civilization Channel. By then, it was available in 14 million households. The partnership aimed to complement the historical shows, with programming about current events and contemporary history.[3] In 2003, the channel was rebranded as Discovery Times, focusing more on American culture and programming pertaining to the well-being and culture of the people of America, as well as other miscellaneous programming. The previous name was described as "is a little off-message" by executives.[4] The Discovery Civilization Channel has continued to exist as a digital cable specialty channel in Canada.
In April 2006, the New York Times sold its stake in Discovery Times back to Discovery Communications, ending its ownership in the channel.[5]
Also in 2006, the network's on-air identity was rebranded by creative studio Trollback + Company. On January 27, 2008, Discovery Times was renamed "Investigation Discovery".[6] The Discovery Civilization Channel has continued to exist as a digital cable specialty channel in Canada.
In addition to the television network, an Investigation Discovery website was also launched. Contributors to the website include crime writers David Lohr, Corey Mitchell, and Gary C. King.
The channel's simulcast Investigation Discovery HD is available on select Time Warner Cable and Comcast systems. In September 2009 testing on the Dish Network satellite system for Investigation Discovery HD had begun, and was rolled out before the beginning of 2010.
Investigation Discovery is also available in Canada, via digital cable and satellite providers, the channel launched on August 30, 2010. Investigation Discovery is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (the parent company which also operates other Discovery-branded channels in Canada).