Anime Network Moves From VOD to Cable Channel
Anime Network moves from a strictly video-on-demand (VOD) format to a 24/7 national network beginning July 27, 2004, securing deals with major national advertisers in preparation for its launch, including interactive entertainment powerhouses Atari, Nintendo and Capcom.
The kickoff event was in Comcast Media Center in Littleton, Colorado where the network's signal originates. The winner of Anime Network's national "Launch the Network Sweepstakes," Janine Hwang of Orlando, Florida, was presented on center stage at the event, to become the first non-animated person to appear on the network as she flipped the switch to begin the network's linear broadcast.
Atari, Nintendo and Capcom join Ex'Pression College for Digital Arts as the initial primary advertisers on the network, an example of parent company, A.D. Vision Inc.'s ability to migrate advertisers from the anime industry's consumer and trade publication, NEWTYPE USA (also an A.D. Vision property). Additional Newtype USA advertisers, such as Toyota and Altoids have also been approached regarding the new opportunities.
"It's a testament to the growing popularity of anime and the intense support of its fans that we have been able to line up top-notch advertisers before our linear launch," said Kevin Corcoran, president of Anime Network. "I'm thrilled our company has the power and resources to bring advertisers to our new linear network and offer them additional opportunities to increase their visibility and grow revenue for the entire industry."
Anime Network, which went 24.7 in May 2004, offers fans non-stop anime action with feature films and television series such as NOIR, SPRIGGAN, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, BUBBLEGUM CRISIS TOKYO 2040, TEKKEN, GOLDEN BOY, NINJA RESURRECTION, SAMURAI X: THE MOTION PICTURE, COMIC PARTY, GRAVION, KALEIDOSTAR, ORPHEN, FINAL FANTASY, CHOBITS, BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM PEACEMAKER and CHRONO CRUSADE.
The Anime Network, a subsidiary of A.D. Vision Inc. (parent company to ADV Films and Newtype USA), is the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime. The Anime Network launched in North America in late 2002 with extensive availability initially through digital cable video-on-demand technology. Additional information on Anime Network is available at www.theanimenetwork.com.