Discovery HD Theater
Encyclopedia
Velocity is an American high-definition, commercial-based, cable- and satellite-television channel owned by Discovery Communications
. The channel specializes in nonfictional high-definition programming, focusing on expensive cars, sports related shows, and other programming targeted at men ages 25–54.
on June 1, 2002, as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic-cable HD channel in the U.S. The channel was rebranded to HD Theater on September 22, 2007, because Discovery Communications launched HD simulcast
s of some of its other channels including Animal Planet
, Discovery Channel
, Science and TLC
. HD Theater has been a pioneer in development of programming specifically oriented to the HD format.
The rebrand affects the US feed only; in Latin America, HD Theater continues unchanged as of October 2011.
In addition, numerous specials have been produced for the channel, along with airing many that have already premiered on the Discovery Channel (for example, Motorcycle Mania 3: Jesse James Rides Again).
Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications, Inc. is an American global media and entertainment company. The company started as a single channel in 1985, The Discovery Channel. Today, DCI has global operations offering 28 network entertainment brands on more than 100 channels in more than 180 countries in 39...
. The channel specializes in nonfictional high-definition programming, focusing on expensive cars, sports related shows, and other programming targeted at men ages 25–54.
History
The channel launched nationwide in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on June 1, 2002, as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic-cable HD channel in the U.S. The channel was rebranded to HD Theater on September 22, 2007, because Discovery Communications launched HD simulcast
Simulcast
Simulcast, shorthand for "simultaneous broadcast", refers to programs or events broadcast across more than one medium, or more than one service on the same medium, at the same time. For example, Absolute Radio is simulcast on both AM and on satellite radio, and the BBC's Prom concerts are often...
s of some of its other channels including Animal Planet
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
, Science and TLC
TLC (TV channel)
TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks...
. HD Theater has been a pioneer in development of programming specifically oriented to the HD format.
Rebrand
On October 4, 2011, HD Theater was rebranded as Velocity, to more naturally fit its increased focus on programming involving high-end automobiles, sports shows, and other male targeted programming.The rebrand affects the US feed only; in Latin America, HD Theater continues unchanged as of October 2011.
Programming
- 1,000 Places to See Before You Die1,000 Places to See Before You Die (TV series)1000 Places To See Before You Die is a documentary series that aired on the Travel Channel in 2007. The show, hosted by Albin and Melanie Ulle, travels around the world to showcase some of the Earth's vast beauty...
- American ChopperAmerican ChopperAmerican Chopper is a reality television series that airs on Discovery Channel, produced by Pilgrim Films & Television. The series centers on Paul Teutul, Sr. and his son Paul Teutul, Jr. , who manufacture custom motorcycles. Orange County Choppers is in Newburgh, New York...
- Cafe RacerCafé racerA café racer is a type of motorcycle as well as a type of motorcyclist. Both meanings have their roots in the 1960s British counterculture group the Rockers, or the Ton-up boys, although they were also common in Italy, Germany, and other European countries...
- Chasing Classic Cars
- City Slickers
- Corwin's QuestCorwin's QuestCorwin's Quest is an American television program about animals airing on Animal Planet. It is similar to The Crocodile Hunter. It is hosted by actor and conservationist Jeff Corwin from The Jeff Corwin Experience...
- Destination HD*
- Extreme EngineeringExtreme EngineeringExtreme Engineering is a documentary television series that airs on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. The program features futuristic and ongoing engineering projects. As of April 2011, the show is airing its ninth season. Danny Forster first hosted the series in season 4 and has been...
- Golf Escapes
- HD Getaways*
- HD Traveler*
- Inside West Coast Customs
- Mecum Auto Auctions*
- Mighty ShipsMighty ShipsMighty Ships is a documentary television program produced by Exploration Production Inc. in Canada. It is aired on Discovery Channel Canada and also broadcast around the world...
- One Six Right: The Romance of FlyingOne Six RightOne Six Right: The Romance of Flying is an independent film about the general aviation industry as seen through a local airport. Within a short period of time, it has achieved a passionate following and presence among pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide who see the film as being able to...
- Paris 2010: The Great Flood
- Planet EarthPlanet Earth (TV series)Planet Earth is a 2006 television series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. Five years in the making, it was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC, and also the first to be filmed in high definition...
- Rides
- Rogue NatureRogue NatureRogue Nature is a reality television program broadcast in The United States on Discovery Channel, Discovery HD Theater and Animal Planet. The show follows host, biologist Dave Salmoni as he explores nature's most dangerous animals to see if they really do go out of their way to kill humans.-...
- What's My Car Worth?What's My Car Worth?What's My Car Worth? is a television series which began airing in the United States as a special on December 29, 2009, and as a full series on April 20, 2010. Hosted by Lorraine McKiniry, the show is currently in its third season....
- West Coast CustomsWest Coast CustomsWest Coast Customs is a car remodeling company started in 1993 by Ryan Friedlinghaus on a loan from his grandfather, Edward Cifranic. It was originally located in Orange County, then moved to Los Angeles, and now its current location is in Corona, California....
* - West Coast Customs: Berlin*
- Sunrise EarthSunrise earthSunrise Earth is a one hour long nature documentary television series that aired in the United States on Discovery HD Theater, now renamed HD Theater. The series focuses on presenting the viewer with sunrises in various geographical locations throughout the world...
- Wheeler DealersWheeler DealersWheeler Dealers is a British television series produced by Attaboy TV for the Discovery Channel, fronted by Mike Brewer and mechanic Edd China with assistance from technical advisor Paul Brackley...
- World Rally ChampionshipWorld Rally ChampionshipThe World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
In addition, numerous specials have been produced for the channel, along with airing many that have already premiered on the Discovery Channel (for example, Motorcycle Mania 3: Jesse James Rides Again).