eqhd | |
---|---|
eqhd logo | |
Launched | September 5, 2006 |
Owned by | High Fidelity HDTV |
Slogan | it's smart in here |
Country | Canada |
Broadcast area | National |
Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario |
Formerly called | Equator HD (2006-2010) |
Website | eqhd |
Availability | |
Satellite | |
Bell TV | Channel 812 |
Cable | |
Available on many Canadian cable systems | Check local listings |
IPTV | |
Bell Aliant TV | Channel 447 |
Bell Fibe TV | Channel 1629 |
MTS | Channel 491 |
Optik TV | Channel 646 |
SaskTel | Channel 474 |
eqhd is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel. The channel is owned by High Fidelity HDTV and broadcasts completely in high definition. The channel broadcasts programs focusing on geography, people, and cultures.
In April 2006, John S. Panikkar (co-founder of High Fidelity HDTV), was granted a licence by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch MeridianHD, a digital HD specialty channel devoted to "programs dedicated exclusively to the exploration of geography, people, places and cultures. The programming shall focus on the roots of human development as well as teachings from other cultures and traditions in Canada and around the world. It shall also focus on what impact human behaviour has on the natural environment and how the natural world affects human ritual and culture."[1]
The channel launched on September 5, 2006[2] as Equator HD, much of its programming and its name licensed from Rainbow Media, original owners of the now defunct Voom HD Networks, owners of Equator HD in the United States.
The channel was rebranded eqhd on August 23, 2010.[3], focusing largely on the same genre of programming.
On December 21, 2011, eqhd's parent company, High Fidelity HDTV, announced that it had entered into an agreement to be purchased outright by Blue Ant Media, majority owners of Glassbox Television and minority owners of Quarto Communications. While initially purchasing 29.9% of the company, the remaining 70.1% will be purchased once it is approved by the CRTC.[4]