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I can exclusively reveal that Studio Universal, a movie channel from Universal Networks International, will be added to MultiChoice's DStv platform from October as the latest major TV channel to be made available for South African TV viewers.
Universal Networks International, a division of NBCUniversal, already supplies The Universal Channel (DStv 108) to MultiChoice - a popular channel. Back in May I wrote that Studio Universal is set to join MultiChoice's crop of DStv channels with an insider that then whispered excitedly: ''Very. Sensitive.''
Various sources within South Africa as well as elsewhere told TV with Thinus that Studio Universal - a movie channel that relaunched in 2010 and which is one of the core brands of Universal Networks International - will commence broadcast from October on DStv. ''The introduction of Studio Universal comes appropriately a year and a half since the new beginning of the Universal Channel in Africa in March last year,'' said one.
Universal Networks International's local representation in South Africa, when officially asked about the Studio Universal channel, declined comment. MultiChoice, when asked if the pay TV operator has anything to share, say, or comment on the channel, declined comment.
Studio Universal shows movies, as well as inserts about those movies, often has relevant behind-the-scenes inserts, and show the stories behind the making of the films. There's also movie related shows such as Inside the Actors Studio, Talk of Fame, Original Trailer, Hollywood Collection, Focus and Under the Influence in which Hollywood stars discuss with a film critic what classic films have influenced their lives. The channel is one of the brands Universal Networks International utilizes to deliver classics as well as some first-run content to targeted local audiences around the globe. The South American feed also carries some series.
The relaunched Studio Universal has a beautiful and sophisticated moving channel ident created by DixonBaxi in London and a crisp, beautiful piano note-filled, anticipation-building musical theme.
Another insider said channel 119 is earmarked as the DStv channel on which Studio Universal will be placed. That will place the new channel somewhat outside of the normal strictly movie channel range on DStv, and is an indication perhaps that future channel additions on DStv might no longer (be able to) strictly adhere to the ''genre blocks'' mapped out after MultiChoice's last channel number reallocation a few years ago. Channel 119 was basically the last ''teens'' channel left available; the other channel number allocations filled with various, localized Africa Magic channel permutations in various regions across the African continent leading up to BBC Entertainment that kicks in at channel number 120.
In another separate media enquiry made last week, MultiChoice was asked whether a new DStv channel number line-up is happening or being contemplated. MultiChoice said there is nothing to be reported at the moment.
Meanwhile a Studio Universal Africa group on Facebook has also recently been created which is designated and identified as a ''TV channel'' and is waiting to be populated with content.
