Sundance Channel and Universal HD to Deliver New High Definition Programming Block

Sundance Channel and Universal HD to Deliver New High Definition Programming Block

Microsoft Named Presenting Sponsor

Lineup Includes: 'Iconoclasts(TM)', 'Big Ideas for a Small Planet(TM)' and 'Live from Abbey Road' Premieres Wednesday, August 1st at 8PM

NEW YORK, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Channel President & CEO Larry Aidem and President NBC Universal Cable and Digital Content Jeff Gaspin announced today that Sundance Channel and Universal HD are going to bring HD viewers a new weekly programming block beginning Wednesday, August 1st at 8 PM ET/5PM PT. The branded programming block, presented by Microsoft, will run Wednesdays through December 26th, showcasing Sundance Channel's critically- acclaimed, original series "Iconoclasts", "Big Ideas for a Small Planet" and "Live from Abbey Road" in high definition.

"Sundance Channel speaks to a very educated, tech savvy audience" said Aidem. "Our viewers are early adopters of advanced technology, they are interested in HDTV and this new branded block on Universal HD will now make our key original franchises available on HDTV."

"Universal HD viewers are the perfect fit for Sundance Channel programming," said Gaspin. "We are thrilled to be partnering with both Sundance and Microsoft on what will be a great entertainment experience for viewers."

"Sundance Channel viewers are increasingly embracing high definition home entertainment and are looking for more of the content they love in HD," said Amir Majidimehr, Corporate Vice President in the Consumer Media Technology Group at Microsoft Corp. "We are excited to help make Sundance Channel's HD programming accessible to viewers on Universal HD."

"Iconoclasts" pairs two leading creative innovators from different fields including film, literature, architecture, food, music, and business. One "Iconoclast" acts as a guide into the world of the other to explore their creative process, their inspirations and their passions. Unlike an ordinary interview program, "Iconoclasts" captures the essence of these headline-makers through the eyes of the creative visionaries who respect and admire them the most. Set outside of a studio at a location meaningful to one or both of the subjects, each pair provides viewers with an inside glimpse into the passion, inspiration, and motivation that made these iconoclasts who they are today and offer insight into the real people behind the public personae. Produced by Sundance Channel and Grey Goose Entertainment in association with Conde Nast Media Group, "Iconoclasts" is an @radical media production.

"Big Ideas for a Small Planet" is a documentary series presenting the forward-thinking designers, products and processes that are on the leading edge of a new green world. Launched in April of 2007 as part of Sundance Channel's THE GREEN, each episode revolves around a different green theme as it spotlights a specific innovator or innovation that has the potential to transform our everyday lives. The individuals profiled range from scientists to fashion and product designers, entrepreneurs to first-time inventors. The series also features a cast of recurring expert commentators, including activists, scientists, writers, and environmental personalities who provide the big-picture context to each week's stories. "Big Ideas for a Small Planet is produced by Scout Productions.

"Live From Abbey Road" features performances and interviews with musicians filmed at London's Abbey Road Studios in recognition of the legendary studios' 75th anniversary. The 12-part series features new and established A-list artists, with each one-hour episode offering three acts and a unique insight into the process of making music as they rehearse, discuss their work, and build towards the final exclusive performance. Artists on the bill include: The Killers, Gnarls Barkley, Snow Patrol, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Paul Simon, Iron Maiden, Richard Ashcroft, LeAnn Rimes, David Gilmour, Dave Matthews, Wynton Marsalis and John Mayer. The series was produced by Michael Gleason and distributed by Fremantle Media(TM).

ABOUT UNIVERSAL HD (UniHD)

UniHD launched in 4Q 2004 and is currently available to more than 54 million homes, and has over 6 million subscribers. Carriage through DirectTV, Echostar, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Cox, and Mediacom. Broadcasts 24/7 in 100% 1080i HD. UniHD (an NBC Universal Company) broadcasts hit movies, new and classic television series and major sporting events.

ABOUT SUNDANCE CHANNEL

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is a venture of NBC Universal, CBS and Robert Redford. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sundance Channel

CONTACT: Sarah Eaton, SVP, Public Relations, +1-212-708-8043,
sarah.eaton@sundancechannel.com, or Katie Lanegran, Senior Director, Public
Relations, +1-212-708-8044, katie.lanegran@sundancechannel.com, both of
Sundance Channel; or Joe Libonati of NBC Universal Cable, +1-818-840-3050,
Joe.libonati@nbcuni.com

Web site:

http://www.sundancechannel.com/

-------
Profile: intent