G4 (Canada)
| G4 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | September 7, 2001 |
| Owned by | Rogers Media |
| Picture format |
1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
| Country | Canada |
| Broadcast area | National |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario |
| Formerly called | TechTV (2001–2004) G4techTV (2004–2009) |
| Website | G4 Canada |
|
Availability
|
|
| Satellite | |
| Bell TV | Channel 515 (SD) |
| Shaw Direct | Channel 514 (SD) |
| Cable | |
| Available on many Canadian cable systems | Check local listings, channels may vary |
| IPTV | |
| Bell Aliant Fibe TV | Channel 229 (SD) |
| Bell Fibe TV | Channel 515 (SD) |
| MTS | Channel 281 (SD) Channel 1281 (HD) |
| Optik TV | Channel 374 (SD) |
| SaskTel | Channel 56 (SD) |
| VMedia | Channel 90 (SD) |
| Zazeen | Channel 133 (SD) |
G4 is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Rogers Media. The name is licensed from NBCUniversal, whose parent company formerly owned a minority stake in the channel. Based on the U.S cable networks, TechTV and the now defunct G4, the channel currently broadcasts general entertainment programming, despite marketing itself as a channel focused on technology.
On November 24, 2000, through a joint venture, Rogers Media (33.34%), Shaw Communications (33.33%) and TechTV US (33.33%) were granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a Canadian version of the U.S. television channel TechTV, described by its nature of service as "providing programming about computing, technology and the Internet." The channel launched on September 7, 2001 as the Canadian version of TechTV.
After months of speculation, on March 25, 2004, Comcast announced it would acquire TechTV from Vulcan Programming Inc., with plans to merge TechTV with its own gaming-related channel, G4. As part of the purchase, Comcast acquired TechTV's 33.33% interest in the Canadian version, spinning it off into its subsidiary, G4 Media. The transaction was completed on May 10, and the American services were merged into G4techTV on May 28, 2004. TechTV Canada would follow suit and be renamed G4techTV on the same date. On February 15, 2005, less than a year after the merger, the American version was renamed back to G4. In June 2006, Shaw Communications sold its interest in the channel to the managing partner, Rogers Media. At an unknown date, Comcast also sold its interest to Rogers, giving it full ownership.
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