Village Gamer

Just in time for all those new HD TVs under the tree, Bell Media announced today the high definition launch of three of its popular Factual channels: Animal Planet HD, Investigation Discovery HD and Discovery Science HD. With these new 24-hour channels mirroring each channel’s SD schedule – now offered in captivating high definition and Dolby 5.1 audio – animals get a bigger bite, crimes are more captivating and science gets super-sized!

Today, Animal Planet HD, Investigation Discovery HD and Discovery Science HD roll out on Bell Fibe TV on channels 1525, 1528 and 1523, respectively. Viewers who subscribe to the standard definition (SD) versions of these channels on Bell Fibe TV will automatically receive the high definition (HD) versions at no additional cost.  A free preview of Animal Planet HD will be available to Bell Fibe TV customers until January 31, 2012.

Additionally, Animal Planet HD also launches today on Shaw on channel 251 (256 in Hamilton). Shaw will be offering their HD subscribers a free preview of Animal Planet HD until January 31, 2012 – and automatically provide the HD channel at no extra cost to viewers who already subscribe to Animal Planet (SD). (Note to Shaw – please start offering Investigation Discovery, the Village Gamer house would really appreciate it.)

“Today’s launch completes the Discovery portfolio’s HD offerings and joins Discovery Channel HD and Discovery World HD to offer the world’s best in factual high definition entertainment,” said Paul Lewis, President and General Manager, Discovery Channel. “Vibrant, fully immersive and captivating – this is how Discovery’s programming is meant to be seen and experienced.”