Discovery Channel goes HD on DStv from 30 June

Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) and MultiChoice has announced the launch of a dedicated High Definition simulcast Discovery Channel on Monday, 30 June 2014, for DStv Premium customers across Africa. 

The new HD simulcast Discovery Channel will offer DStv customers the chance to enjoy all of their favourite Discovery programmes, such asDynamo, Gold Rush, Bear Grylls and Fast N’ Loud in true HD. Discovery Channel HD will also feature more new series than ever before, including a new scripted drama from Ridley Scottcalled Klondike.

The channel will continue to broadcast on DStv channel 121 but with a specially designed new on-air look. This will include a new animated on-air logo featuring the iconic “D” from Discovery Channel and dynamic branding elements that change to match the most popular programming genres: from survival to turbo, adventure to science and technology to Gold programming. DStv customers without HD equipment will also enjoy the refreshed Discovery Channel. 

The channel will carry the new brand slogan “Born to Thrill” which will be used on and off air, and on the Discovery Channel South Africa Facebook and Twitter pages. To boost awareness of the new strapline and support the launch of the HD simulcast, Discovery will drive a brand campaign using the #BornToThrill hashtag to encourage South African viewers to share their most thrilling moments. 

Discovery HD Showcase (currently DStv channel 180) will stop broadcasting as it is replaced by the simulcast Discovery Channel. It will become a branded video-on-demand service, exclusive to the DStv Explora, giving customers access to their favourite HD Showcase titles. 

“We are very excited to launch Discovery Channel HD across Africa,” said James Gibbons, senior vice president, Emerging Business, Discovery Networks CEEMEA. “HD enhances the viewing experience and Discovery’s unbeatable and thrilling content is made to be seen in this format. Our new fast paced and reinvigorated branding and on-air look, along with our exciting new programme line up, are sure to be a hit with DStv viewers. As a dedicated feed, the new Discovery Channel will also offer an unrivalled new opportunity to South African advertisers too.”  

Mark Rayner, Chief Operating Officer for MultiChoice South Africa commented: “Nothing beats viewing the great content on Discovery in HD, which is why we are thrilled to offer our customers another simulcast channel. This is part of our ongoing commitment to keep improving the DStv experience for our customers.”

On launch night, 30 June 2014, Discovery Channel viewers can look forward to the premiere ofKlondike – an epic six-part scripted mini-series produced by Hollywood director Ridley Scottand starring Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) which brings to life the tale of six strangers and their collective fight for survival and wealth in a small, frontier town in the remote Klondike.Catch all the action in high definition when Klondike begins at 21:00 on Discovery Channel, exclusively on DStv channel 121.