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50-534: Travel Channel (stylized as Trvl Channel since 2018) is an American pay television channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery , who previously owned the channel from 1997 to 2007. The channel is headquartered in Manhattan , with offices in Silver Spring , Maryland and Knoxville , Tennessee , U.S. Travel Channel features documentaries , reality , and how-to shows related to travel and leisure around

100-469: A trial period , often one to three months, though there have been rare instances of free trials for pay services that last up to one year for newer subscribers to that provider's television service. Pay television has become popular with cable and satellite television . Pay television services often, at least two to three times per year, provide free previews of their services, in order to court potential subscribers by allowing this wider audience to sample

150-429: A "new" lifestyle channel named DTour (stylized as DTOUR ). It was later confirmed through a Telus update to subscribers that DTour would be launched as a rebranded TVtropolis on August 26, 2013. The relaunch of the channel occurred that day at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A high definition feed of DTour was introduced on Shaw Cable on September 5, 2013. Following the rebrand, DejaView would begin airing some of

200-406: A crude decrypting of the over-the-air television signal and a decoding box, but never caught on for use at that time. It took another four decades when cable broadcasters started using pay-per-view on a widespread basis. "Free" variants are free-to-air (FTA) and free-to-view (FTV); however, FTV services are normally encrypted and decryption cards either come as part of an initial subscription to

250-632: A focus on their parent companies' libraries, with HBO Now replaced by HBO Max (now Max) in 2020 (which adds content from other Warner Bros. properties and third-parties, and would also be included with existing HBO subscriptions via television providers), and Showtime formally merging with Paramount+ in 2023. Canadian premium service The Movie Network similarly merged with the CraveTV service owned by parent company Bell Media in 2018. Pay-per-view (PPV) services are similar to subscription-based pay television services in that customers must pay to have

300-501: A larger multibillion-dollar transaction. On November 5, 2009, Scripps Networks Interactive acquired a 65% ownership interest in the network for $ 1.1 billion; the deal closed in January 2010. Following the purchase, Travel Channel began to add programming from sister networks such as Food Network In 2015, Scripps relocated the channel's headquarters from Chevy Chase, Maryland to Knoxville, Tennessee. On February 25, 2016, SNI acquired

350-513: A lower subscription fee. These are called "mini-pay" channels (a term also used for smaller scale commercial-free pay television services) and are often sold as a part of a package with numerous similarly priced channels. Usually, however, the regular pricing for premium channels ranges from just under $ 10 to near $ 25 per month per suite, with lower prices available via bundling options with cable or satellite providers, or special limited offers which are available during free preview periods or before

400-417: A main flagship channel is accompanied by secondary services with distinct schedules focusing on specific genres and audiences (such as multiplexes focusing more on "classic" films, or family-oriented programming), time shifting , or brand licensing deals (such as channels focusing specifically on Disney films , or content from U.S. pay television brands if they do not specifically run their own network in

450-535: A mix of original series, films, and specials. The shift towards SVOD has resulted in increasing competition within the sector, with media conglomerates having launched their own services (such as Disney+ , Paramount+ , Peacock , and Disney's acquisition of the majority of Hulu ) to compete, and existing premium networks such as HBO ( HBO Now ) and Showtime launching direct-to-consumer versions of their existing services to appeal to cord cutters . HBO and Showtime later absorbed their DTC offerings into wider services with

500-602: A new logo stylized as Trvl Channel , and shifted its programming to focus on "the paranormal, the unsolved, the creepy and terrifying". From 2015 to 2017, Destination America had undergone a similar shift to paranormal programming themselves. Certain Travel Channel shows (such as Bizarre Foods , its spinoff series Bizarre Foods Delicious Destinations , Man v. Food , Food Paradise , Hotel Impossible , and Xtreme Waterparks ) would move to either Destination America or Cooking Channel . On January 12, 2021, it

550-460: A pay television bouquet – in other words, an offer of pay-TV channels – or can be purchased for a one-time cost. FTA and FTV systems may still have selective access. ABC Australia is one example, as much of its programming content is free-to-air except for National Rugby League (NRL) games, which are encrypted. DTour DTour (styled as DTOUR ) is a Canadian English language discretionary specialty channel owned by TVTropolis G.P.,

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600-693: A restriction as a few providers optionally sell that service without requiring a Showtime subscription. Unlike other cable networks, premium services are almost always subscribed to a la carte , meaning that one can, for example, subscribe to HBO without subscribing to Showtime (in Canada, there are slight modifications, as most providers include U.S. superstations – such as WAPA-TV – with their main premium package by default). However, subscribing to an "individual" service automatically includes access to all of that service's available multiplex channels and, in some cases, access to content via video-on-demand (in

650-494: A result, Shaw acquired control of Canwest's stake in TVtropolis and rebranded Canwest as Shaw Media . On January 14, 2013, Shaw announced that it would purchase the remaining interest in TVtropolis from Rogers Communications for $ 59 million, bringing its total to 100%. On June 5, 2013, at its annual upfront , Shaw conspicuously removed any reference to TVtropolis in announcing its fall programming plans, while announcing

700-425: A seasonal package. They are typically the most expensive type of pay services, generally running in the range of $ 35 to $ 50 per month. Some pay services also offer pornographic films ; Cinemax was well known for carrying a late-night block of softcore films and series known as "Max After Dark"—a reputation that led to the network often being nicknamed "Skinemax" by viewers. Cinemax phased out this programming in

750-540: A short time during the 1980s, and unlike other general-interest pay services accepted outside advertising for broadcast during its sports telecasts), Preview , SelecTV and ON TV in the late 1970s, but those services disappeared as competition from cable television expanded during the 1980s. In Australia , Foxtel , Optus Television and TransACT are the major pay television distributors, all of which provide cable services in some metropolitan areas , with Foxtel providing satellite service for all other areas where cable

800-512: A specialty television service directed towards men and women 50 years of age and older. However, the channel did not explicitly market itself as a channel for the " baby boomer " generation, preferring instead to position itself as a general entertainment channel. Prime's slogan, on-air and in advertising, was "Canada's Entertainment Network". Prime's schedule featured a mix of general interest television programs, including home improvement and design series, along with classic television series. With

850-401: A specific market). Typically, these services are bundled together with the main channel at no additional charge, and cannot be purchased separately. Depending on local regulations, pay television services generally have more lenient content standards because of their relatively narrower distribution, and not being subject to pressure from sponsors to tone down content. As a result, programming

900-541: A subsidiary of Corus Entertainment . The channel was originally established by Canwest in 1997 as Prime , a cable companion to Global with a general entertainment format focusing on classic series and programming acquired from Global and CH . In 2006, the channel was re-branded as TVTropolis , carrying a similar format but with a focus on contemporary sitcoms and dramas from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as pop culture-themed programs. Adopting its current branding in 2013, DTour largely draws its acquired programming from

950-485: Is Canal+ and its scrambled services, which operated in France from 1984 to the 2011 closedown of analogue television, Spain from 1990 to 2005 and Poland from 1995 to 2001. Some U.S. television stations launched pay services (known simply as "subscription television" services) such as SuperTV , Wometco Home Theater , PRISM (which principally operated as a cable service, only being simultaneously carried over-the-air for

1000-494: Is most synonymous with premium entertainment services focused on films or general entertainment programming such as, in the United States, Cinemax , HBO , MGM+ , Showtime , and Starz , but such services can also include those devoted to sports , as well as adult entertainment . In contrast to most other multichannel television broadcasters, which depend on advertising and carriage fees as their sources of revenue,

1050-707: Is not available. Austar formerly operated as a satellite pay service, until it merged with Foxtel and SelecTV . The major distributors of pay television in New Zealand are Sky Network Television on satellite and Vodafone on cable. In the 2010s, over-the-top subscription video on demand (SVOD) services distributed via internet video emerged as a major competitor to traditional pay television, with services such as Amazon Video , Hulu , and Netflix gaining prominence. Similarly to pay television services, their libraries include acquired content (which can not only include films, but acquired television series as well), and

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1100-717: Is typically aired with limited to no edits for time or, where applicable, mature content such as graphic violence , profanity , nudity , and sexual activity . As premium television services are commonly devoid of traditional commercial advertising, breaks between programming typically include promotions for upcoming programs , and interstitial segments (such as behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and other feature segments). Some sports-based pay services, however, may feature some commercial advertising, particularly if they simulcast sporting events that are broadcast by advertiser-supported television networks. In addition, most general interest or movie-based pay services do not adhere to

1150-547: The Wimbledon tennis tournament. Specialty pay sports channels also exist—often focusing on international sports considered niche to domestic audiences (such as, in the United States, cricket ), and are typically sold at a higher expense than traditional premium services. Out-of-market sports packages in North America are multi-channel pay services carrying professional or collegiate sporting events which are sold in

1200-563: The business cycle , some broadcasters try to balance them with more stable income from subscriptions. Some providers offer services owned by the same company in a single package. For example, American satellite provider DirecTV offers the Encore channels along with the Starz multiplex (both owned by Lionsgate 's Starz Inc. ) in its "Starz Super Pack"; and The Movie Channel , Flix and SundanceTV (the latter of which continues to be sold in

1250-476: The 1990s vintage series that had aired on TVtropolis. DTour's initial lineup featured programming from Travel Channel in the U.S. (including Adam Richman's Fandemonium , Hotel Impossible and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern ). Travel Channel was owned by Scripps Networks Interactive , which at the time jointly owned the Canadian versions of Food Network , HGTV and DIY Network with Shaw. DTour

1300-586: The 2010s, citing that it did not align with its current focus on action programming, and that internet porn and the amount of sexual content in other mainstream premium series (such as Game of Thrones ) made a specific block for such content redundant. Specialized channels dedicated to pornographic films also exist, that carry either softcore adult programs (such as Playboy TV ), or more hardcore content (such as The Erotic Network and Hustler TV ). Pay television channels come in different price ranges. Many channels carrying advertising combine this income with

1350-618: The American television channel until then. The deal was completed on May 1, 2012, following regulatory approval. In Canada, Travel Channel's programming has aired on T+E , and later, DTour . Pay television Pay television , also known as subscription television , premium television or, when referring to an individual service, a premium channel , refers to subscription -based television services, usually provided by multichannel television providers, but also increasingly via digital terrestrial and streaming television . In

1400-472: The DirecTV package despite Showtime Networks no longer owning Sundance, that channel is now owned by AMC Networks ) along with Showtime in its "Showtime Unlimited" package; Cinemax and its multiplex networks, in turn, are almost always packaged with HBO (both owned by Warner Bros. Discovery ). Though selling premium services that are related by ownership as a package is common, that may not always be

1450-445: The U.S.-based Travel Channel , while also airing limited general-interest programing, and will not be impacted by Corus losing the rights to most Warner Bros. Discovery lifestyle and factual brands to Rogers Sports & Media at the end of 2024. The channel was launched as Prime on October 17, 1997, under the ownership of Canwest . The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) licensed Prime in 1996 as

1500-434: The United States and throughout the world. Programming has included shows on African animal safaris , tours of grand hotels and resorts, visits to significant cities and towns around the world, programming about various foods around the world, and programming about ghosts and the paranormal in notable buildings. As of November 2023, Travel Channel is available to approximately 67,000,000 pay television households in

1550-536: The United States, subscription television began in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the form of encrypted analog over-the-air broadcast television which could be decrypted with special equipment. The concept rapidly expanded through the multi-channel transition and into the post-network era . Other parts of the world beyond the United States, such as France and Latin America have also offered encrypted analog terrestrial signals available for subscription. The term

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1600-606: The United States-down from its 2011 peak of 96,000,000 households. The Travel Channel was launched on February 1, 1987; it was founded by TWA Marketing Services (a subsidiary of Trans World Airlines ). The channel's name was derived from the travel-related filler programming that aired between programs on the Home Theater Network . TWA purchased the name rights from Group W Satellite Communications in 1986, and took over HTN's transponder spot following

1650-737: The aforementioned leniency in content standards, they too can contain content that is more mature than those of other cable channels or television networks . These series also tend to be high-budget and aim for critical success in order to attract subscribers: notable premium series, such as HBO 's Curb Your Enthusiasm , Game of Thrones , Sex and the City , and The Sopranos , and Showtime 's Dexter , Homeland , and Weeds , have achieved critical acclaim and have won various television awards. Some premium channels also broadcast television specials , which most commonly consist of concerts and concert films , documentaries , stand-up comedy , and in

1700-419: The broadcast decrypted for viewing, but usually only entail a one-time payment for a single or time-limited viewing. Programs offered via pay-per-view are most often movies or sporting events, but may also include other events, such as concerts and even softcore adult programs. In the U.S., the initial concept and technology for pay-per-view for broadcast television was first developed in the early 1950s, including

1750-428: The common top and bottom of the hour scheduling of other cable channels and terrestrial broadcasters. As such, programs often air using either conventional scheduling or have airtimes in five-minute increments (for example, 7:05 a.m. or 4:40 p.m.); since such channels broadcast content without in-program break interruptions, this sometimes leads to extended or abbreviated breaks between programs, depending on when

1800-647: The form of a conventional VOD television service, and in some cases, a companion on-demand streaming service as well). Most pay television providers also offer a selection of premium services (for example, the HBO, Showtime and Starz packages) in one bundle at a greatly reduced price than it would cost to purchase each service separately, as an inducement for subscribers to remain with their service provider or for others to induce subscribers into using their service. Similarly, many television providers offer general interest or movie-based premium channels at no additional charge for

1850-454: The launch of a network's prestige series. However, some other channels, such as sports and adult networks may ask for monthly pricing that may go as high as near $ 50 a month. There are also premium television services which are priced significantly higher than the mini-pay channels, but they compensate for their higher price by carrying little or no advertising and also providing a higher quality program output. As advertising sales are sensitive to

1900-424: The launch of sibling channel DejaView in 2001, (showing similar programming to Prime, that being classic television programs from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s), the channel's focus shifted to shows from the late 1980s and beyond. On June 1, 2006, Prime was rebranded as TVTropolis , which initially focused on sitcoms and dramas from the 1980s and 1990s (such as Seinfeld and Beverly Hills 90210 , branded under

1950-467: The majority of pay television services rely almost solely on monthly subscription fees paid by individual customers. As a result, pay television outlets are most concerned with offering content that can justify the cost of the service, which helps to attract new subscribers, and retain existing subscribers. Many pay television services consist of multiple individual channels, referred to as " multiplex " services (in reference to multiplex cinemas ), where

2000-494: The original term of license agreements with a distributor may also be broadcast as "sub-runs", in which a service holds rights to film long after the conclusion of a distribution agreement (under this arrangement, the pay service that originally licensed the rights to a particular film title, or one other than that which had held rights, may hold the broadcast rights through a library content deal). Many general interest premium channels also produce original television series . Due to

2050-597: The past, theatrical plays . Sports programming is also featured on some premium services; HBO was historically known for its broadcasts of boxing , while Showtime and Epix also carry mixed martial arts events. Some general interest premium channels have aired other professional sporting events in the past: HBO for example, carried games from the National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and American Basketball Association (ABA) in its early years, and from 1975 to 1999 aired

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2100-521: The previous program concludes and when the start time of the next program is. The only universal variation to this is prime time , where the main channel in each pay service's suite usually schedules films to start on the hour. Films comprise much of the content seen on most pay television services, particularly those with a general entertainment format and those that focus exclusively on films . Services often obtain rights to films through exclusive agreements with film distributors . Films acquired during

2150-477: The remaining 35% stake in Travel Channel from Cox Communications, giving it full control over the network. Discovery regained ownership of the network on March 6, 2018, after acquiring SNI. Available data shows that viewership peaked in Spring 2008 at 27.78 million views per 7 days, and has been in decline ever since. As of Spring 2017, the channel got 17.25 million views. On October 1, 2018, Travel Channel revealed

2200-463: The rights to most Warner Bros. Discovery lifestyle and factual brands to Rogers Sports & Media at the end of 2024, DTour will not be affected by these changes. DTour currently airs a mix of travel, lifestyle, and paranormal programming; much of which is sourced from the Warner Bros. Discovery -owned Travel Channel and Destination America channels in the U.S.. As Prime and TVTropolis,

2250-582: The service for a period of days or weeks; these are typically scheduled to showcase major special event programming, such as the pay cable premiere of a blockbuster feature film, the premiere (either a series or season premiere ) of a widely anticipated or critically acclaimed original series or occasionally, a high-profile special (such as a concert). Subscription services transmitted via analogue terrestrial television have also existed, to varying degrees of success. The most known example of such service in Europe

2300-500: The shutdown of the premium cable channel in January 1987. In 1992, the network was sold to Landmark Communications , then-owner of The Weather Channel ; five years later, Landmark sold it to Paxson Communications . Discovery Communications acquired a 70% ownership stake in the channel in 1997, and subsequently acquired the remaining 30% interest from Paxson in 1999. In May 2007, Discovery Communications sold Travel Channel to Cox Enterprises subsidiary Cox Communications as part of

2350-465: The situation: for example, in the United States, Cinemax and Encore are optionally sold separately from or in a single package with their respective parent networks HBO and Starz, depending on the service provider. The Movie Channel and Flix meanwhile, are usually sold together with Showtime (all three channels are owned by Paramount Global ); though subscribers are required to purchase Showtime in order to receive Flix, The Movie Channel does not have such

2400-581: The slogan Hit TV Lives Here ). Additional series focused on television pop culture (such as Inside the Box and FANatical ). Over time, the channel lessened its emphasis on scripted shows and reverted to a general entertainment format; focusing on reality series, game shows (including original series Wipeout Canada ), and lifestyle series with little emphasis on pop culture. On October 27, 2010, Shaw Communications purchased Canwest after it had entered into creditor bankruptcy protection in late 2009. As

2450-488: Was not explicitly marketed as a "travel" service, as it would have conflicted with rival service Travel + Escape (now T+E ); which had sole use of the travel niche at the time under the CRTC's channel categorization rules. Those rules have since been revoked, with T+E subsequently abandoning the travel genre in favor of paranormal programming . On April 1, 2016, Shaw Media was sold to Corus Entertainment . With Corus losing

2500-503: Was reported that there were plans for selected Travel Channel programs to premiere exclusively on Discovery+ as timed exclusives. On March 22, 2012, Scripps Networks Interactive announced that it had agreed to pay £65 million (equivalent to US$ 102.7 million) to acquire Travel Channel International Limited, the UK-based broadcaster which operates across the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific markets, but had no direct relation to

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