ViuTV
ViuTV | |
---|---|
Logo of ViuTV | |
Launched |
31 March 2016 (trial transmission on Now TV) 2 April 2016 (DTT launch) 6 April 2016 (formal launch) |
Owned by | HK Television Entertainment |
Picture format | 1080i 16:9 (Digital HDTV) |
Country | Hong Kong |
Language | Cantonese |
Broadcast area |
Hong Kong Macau |
Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Website | ViuTV |
Availability | |
Terrestrial | |
Hong Kong Digital | Channel 99 |
IPTV | |
Now TV | Channel 99 |
Streaming media | |
Viu.tv | Watch live (Hong Kong only) |
ViuTV is a Cantonese language general entertainment television channel in Hong Kong operated by HK Television Entertainment (HKTVE), whose parent company, PCCW , also operates IPTV platform Now TV and media streaming service Viu. The channel serves as a free-to-air outlet of television programmes shown on the channels operated by Now TV.
History
In 2015, HK Television Entertainment was granted a 12-year free-to-air television broadcast license by the Hong Kong Government. The Cantonese station, which the brand was announced on 20 October 2015 to be ViuTV, began transmission on 31 March 2016, on Now TV's channel 99.
The channel began broadcasting on DTT LCN 99 in the early morning hours of 2 April 2016, after Asia Television's free television license expired. ViuTV was granted the use of the DTMB MFN multiplex that ATV Home and ATV World formerly shared with TVB Jade.
During the trial transmission period, a barker programme titled We I U took most of schedules, showcasing what the channel would bring its viewers. The rest of schedules were filled with essential and obligatory programmes such as news bulletins and programming aimed at children, youth, housewives and elderlies, airing from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and again at 8 pm for a 30-minute newscast, with an additional morning slot from 8:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 April 2016.
The channel's formal launch took place on 6 April 2016 at 6 am Hong Kong Time with a simulcast of Now News Channel's morning bulletin. The launch ceremony was held on the same day at 3:30 pm and was broadcast on the channel at 11 pm.
Programming
Aside from the original shows and acquired shows first shown on the channel, ViuTV sources most programmes from libraries of Now TV's own television channels.
Drama
Unlike competitor TVB, the channel mainly broadcasts drama series from various Asian countries, with limited local productions. Thus far, the station has produced and aired two self-made television drama series: Margaret and David: Green Beans and 3X1.
News and current affairs
The channel simulcasts Now News Channel for live news bulletins.
Overnights
From Tuesdays to Saturdays at 3 am, ViuTV airs a filler programme titled Driving in Hong Kong, which shows recorded images of streets in Hong Kong filmed from a camera on a vehicle for about three hours.
The filler programme is accompanied by a live audio feed from the Now News Channel.