Velocity (TV channel)

Velocity
Launched June 17, 2002
(as Discovery HD Theater)
Owned by Discovery Communications
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Country United States
Language English
Headquarters Silver Spring, Maryland
Replaced Discovery HD Theater
(2002–2007)
HD Theater
(2007-2011)
Sister channel(s) Discovery Channel
American Heroes Channel
Destination America
Website Velocity.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV (US) Channel 281 (HD)
DirecTV
(Latin America)		 Channel 773 (SD) 1005
Dish Network
(United States)		 Channel 246
Dish Network Mexico Channel 950
C Band AMC 11 - Channel 617 (4DTV Digital)
Claro TV Digital
(Colombia)		 Channel 1302 (as Discovery HD Theater)
Cable
Cox Channel 740
Verizon FiOS Channel 631
Comcast Channel 839
IPTV
AT&T Uverse Channel 1104

Velocity (formerly HD Theater and originally Discovery HD Theater) is an American high-definition, commercial-based, cable and satellite television channel owned by Discovery Communications. The channel specializes in nonfictional programming, focusing on expensive cars, sports related shows, and other programming targeted at men ages 25–54.

As of February 2015, approximately 62.3 million American households (53.5% of households with television) receive Velocity.[1]

History

The channel launched nationwide in the United States on June 17, 2002, as Discovery HD Theater.[2] The channel was rebranded to HD Theater on September 22, 2007, because Discovery Communications launched HD simulcasts of some of its other channels including Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Science and TLC.

On April 14, 2011, Discovery Communications announced that HD Theater would be re-launched as Velocity later in the year: aimed primarily at an "upscale male" audience, the network focuses primarily on automotive-oriented programming and other shows of interest to a male audience.[3][4][5] The re-launch took place on October 4, 2011.[6]

Programming

Original

  • Miracle Ball[9]
  • Motorhead Garage TV
  • One of a Kind
  • Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans[10]
  • "Saw Dogs"
  • "Turn n' Burn"
  • What's In The Barn?[11]
  • What's My Car Worth?
  • Tech Toys 360

Acquired

International versions

A Canadian version of Velocity, known as Discovery Velocity, launched on February 12, 2015, replacing Discovery World. The channel was, originally, the Canadian version of Velocity's original U.S. incarnation as Discovery HD Theater.[15]

References

  1. ↑ Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2015). "List of how many homes each cable network is in as of February 2015". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  2. ↑ Sherrard, Kevin (April 16, 2002). "Discovery to Launch HD Theater". HDTV in Oklahoma.
  3. ↑ Gorman, Bill (April 14, 2011). "Discovery Communications Introduces Velocity — A Turbocharged Network For An Upscale Male Audience". TV by the Numbers.
  4. ↑ D.M. Levine (April 18, 2011). "Discovery Launches Velocity Channel, Aimed at Rich Men". Adweek.
  5. ↑ Lawler, Richard (Apr 14, 2011). "Discovery HD Theater is becoming Velocity, focuses on programming for 'upscale male audience'". Engadget.
  6. ↑ Richmond, Ray (July 29, 2011). "TCA: Discovery Sets Launch Date For Velocity, Adds Big Names to ‘Curiosity’, Preps Science Channel’s ‘Trek Nation’, Introduces ‘Weed’ Team". Deadline Hollywood.
  7. ↑ Bibel, Sara (June 27, 2013). "'Dallas Car Sharks' to Premiere Tuesday, July 23 on Velocity". TV by the Number.
  8. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 4, 2013). "Velocity Launches Two Original Series Beginning in June". TV by the Numbers.
  9. ↑ Bibel, Sara (September 7, 2012). "Documentary 'Miracle Ball' to Premiere Saturday, September 29 on Velocity". TV by the Numbers.
  10. ↑ Bibel, Sara (July 25, 2013). "'Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans' to Premiere Wednesday, August 28 on Velocity". TV by the Numbers.
  11. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 4, 2013). [http:/.com/2013/06/04/velocity-launches-two-original-series-beginning-in-june/185820/ "Velocity Launches Two Original Series Beginning in June"]. TV by the Numbers.
  12. ↑ ""Eurosport on Velocity" Brings the Best of Europe's Largest Sports Television Network to the United States for the First Time Ever". The Futon Critic (Press release). September 16, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  13. ↑ http://www.velocity.com/tv-shows/barrett-jackson
  14. ↑ Bibel, Sara (June 26, 2013). "'Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up' to Premiere July 10 on Velocity". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  15. ↑ "High Stakes Adventure, Precision Machines, Raw Power: Specialty Service Discovery Velocity Launches February 12". Press release. Retrieved 20 January 2015.

See also