VOOM’s Equator HD Acquires Tokyo Broadcasting Systems’s The World Heritage From Defiance Distribution

Half-Hour Documentary Series of the World's Most Important Natural and Architectural Monuments Slated to Premiere in March 2006

New York, NY – February 13, 2006 – Equator HD, the first high-definition channel dedicated to exploring the world's most intriguing people and places with intelligent travel, nature, and cultural programs, announced today a new half-hour documentary series, The World Heritage. The half-hour show explores the unique cultural, religious and natural historical locations from around the world designated as World Heritage sites by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Over 100 episodes were produced by Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS) in Japan. The deal was brokered by Defiance Distribution. The series will air on Equator HD beginning in March of 2006. Equator HD is one of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide and currently available on DISH Network.

Since its launch in early 2005, VOOM has gone on to produce compelling original HD content for a wide variety of consumer interests including the largest collection of HD horror films; a live auction of one-of-a-kind memorabilia; animation for kids of all ages and action-adventure sporting events. This new announcement for Equator HD confirms VOOM's commitment to growing and to investing in the brand's aggressive move into the marketplace.

"Equator HD looks to explore and document life in every corner of the world," said William Roberts, VP of Programming for Equator HD. "To be able to deliver unprecedented access to sites that have become international treasures due to the conservation efforts on behalf of UNESCO, is exciting for us. This is a great series that contributes to our ever growing library of HD content."

"The combination of TBS and Sony Corporation's HD production capabilities, and UNESCO's access to every part of the world makes The World Heritage series absolutely one-of-a-kind," said Jon Loew, President of Defiance. "VOOM's Equator HD is the perfect home for this prolific series."

The World Heritage series captures the charm and wonder of the world's most precious sites and most important places. Each site is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Places as unique as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis in Egypt and the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal are all visited.

About Defiance
Defiance Distribution is a leading distributor of entertainment programming, specializing in international distribution, Pay-Per-View and VOD, and High Definition content. Defiance's content genres include documentaries, professional sports events, light entertainment, and more. Founded in 2000, Defiance has distributed more than 2,200 hours of programming worldwide. For more information visit www.Defiance.tv or email info@Defiance.TV .

About Tokyo Brodcasting System, Inc.
Established in 1951, Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS) and 32 TBS Group companies constitute one of the largest media conglomerates in Japan extending operations in wide range of broadcast (nationwide terrestrial TV/radio networks to digital satellite, mobile, and broadband), content production (TV/radio programs, movies, video/DVDs, internet, computer graphics, etc.), domestic/overseas distribution, concerts and events to even real estate. TBS is also strengthening its position and increasing its presence as a content provider in the global arena distributing programs of all genres to over 100 countries around the globe. For more information visit http://www.tbs.co.jp/eng/.

About Equator HD
EQUATOR HD seeks out the intriguing, captivating and awe-inspiring sights, sounds and stories that define the world's most unique locations. More than merely a travel channel, EQUATOR HD is an eyewitness to the ceremonies, celebrations and rituals of both man and nature. High-definition delivers stunning colors and rich detail, bringing a new perspective to the viewing experience and ultimately, the imagination.

About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.

Press Contacts

  • Lisa Rogen
    Rainbow Media
    (917) 542-6216
    L1Rogen@rainbow-media.com

    Jon Loew
    Defiance Distribution, Inc.
    (212) 695-4433 x 20