Travel Channel Launches Travel Channel HD(TM) Simulcast Nationwide - Unveils 'Some Things Are Meant For HD(TM)' Marketing Campaign

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Travel Channel announced the launch of Travel Channel HD(TM). The high-definition simulcast of the Travel Channel network offering is now available to cable, satellite and telco providers nationwide, and will feature the network's popular series and personalities such as Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Best Places to Find Cash and Treasures and Samantha Brown's Passport series. Consumers interested in finding out more about Travel Channel HD(TM) should visit http://www.travelchannel.com/hd.

In the Travel Channel HD Landscape Study, conducted by Frank N. Magid Associates in Fall 2007*, Travel Channel was ranked the most anticipated new HD cable network among current HD subscribers. Additional top line findings showed: Travel Channel ranked the second most anticipated new HD cable network among shoppers committed to purchasing and subscribing to an HD service; more than half of HD subscribers who are Travel Channel viewers are likely to arrange for programming service that included Travel Channel HD; 70 percent of HD VOD users are interested in Travel Channel HD VOD; and Travel Channel HD VOD content ranks 4th among HD shoppers.

"Some things are meant for HD, and this research confirms that the Travel Channel is clearly in demand by consumers," said Pat Younge, President and General Manager, Travel Channel. "The Travel Channel continues to see increased viewership, and we are confident that our Travel Channel HD simulcast will continue to stoke consumer interest in HD, the Travel Channel, and the MSOs, operators and suppliers who are delivering HD services. Everything Travel Channel has commissioned for over a year has been filmed in HD, so we have a very robust inventory of HD travel programming to offer consumers, in both our simulcast, as well as in the HD VOD space."

To increase consumer awareness of the new Travel Channel HD(TM) service, Travel Channel will launch a nationwide marketing campaign on-air and in consumer and trade publications, around the theme of, "Some Things Are Meant For HD(TM)." The television spots and advertisements will visually demonstrate the amazing locations, people and experiences brought to life with the clarity only HD can offer.

*The Travel Channel HD Landscape Study was performed by Frank N. Magid Associates. The survey was fielded from September 29 - October 5, 2007, and was an online survey of 746 adults between the ages of 18-64. All respondents were cable or satellite service subscribers watching at least 5 hours of television per week. The gender breakdown of the survey was 49% male, 51% female.

About Travel Channel Media:

Travel Channel Media is an integrated travel media business, and is wholly owned by Cox Communications, Inc., a leading multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company. Travel Channel Media includes: the Travel Channel television network, available in more than 90 million U.S. cable homes; Travel Channel HD(TM), the network's high-definition simulcast; travelchannel.com, the network's broadband travel hub; Travel Channel's video- on-demand (VOD) and mobile platforms; and World Hum (worldhum.com), a leading online travel blog.

Source: Travel Channel Media