'Outdoor Channel 2 HD' Announces Soft Launch

Outdoor Channel 2 HD--a new network airing all programming in HD--became fully operational late last week. The network is now available to cable and satellite operators, according to the Temecula, Calif.-based company. It plans to launch a much louder marketing campaign starting July 1.

Outdoor Channel 2 HD began its schedule of HD production in late 2003, and continues to expand its HD library of traditional outdoor programming that the company said will be "captured in real (not up-converted) high-definition."

The new channel's overall target audience is America's estimated 82 million anglers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Its already-established Outdoor Channel (which airs in SD) provides about 100 weekly programs featuring hunting, fishing and shooting sports, as well as off-road motor sports and other lifestyle shows. Based on April 2005 data from Nielsen Media Research, The Outdoor Channel's universe is estimated to be about 24.4 million homes--delivered via both cable and satellite.