Hallmark Channel (Australia)

Universal Channel
Universal Channel Australia logo
Launched	1998
Owned by	Universal Networks International
Picture format	576i (SDTV 16:9) 1080i (HDTV 16:9)
Audience share	0.5% (January 2010, )
Slogan	100% Characters
Country	Australia
Language	English
Formerly called	Hallmark Channel Australia (prior to July 2010)
Sister channel(s)	13th Street CNBC Australia E! Style Network Syfy
Timeshift service	Universal Channel + 2
Website	universalchannel.com.au/
Availability
Satellite
Foxtel	Channel 112 (SD/HD) Channel 155 (+ 2) Channel 1112 (SD)
Cable
Foxtel	Channel 112 (SD/HD) Channel 155 (+ 2) Channel 1112 (SD)
Optus TV	Channel 112
Neighbourhood Cable	Channel 34
IPTV
Foxtel Play	Channel 112
Fetch TV	Channel 107 (HD)

The Universal Channel (formerly Hallmark Channel) is an Australian cable and satellite television channel, owned and operated by Universal Networks International. It has been available on most subscription television platforms in Australia since 1998.

The channel was added to Austar in April 1999.

On 1 July 2010 the Hallmark Channel rebranded as the Universal Channel. This rebrand saw the slogan In every life there is drama replaced with Characters Welcome as well as the channel converting from 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 widescreen picture format. It brought the introduction of new series, including two Australian premiere series, as well as returning to first seasons of almost all programs already aired.

On 1 February 2015, Universal Channel launched on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV.

On 1 January 2014 the Universal Channel rebranded itself alongside other transformations to the Foxtel platform. Among the changes under the rebrand included the channel aligning itself with the international logo and slogan 100% Characters, launching Australian premiere series The Michael J. Fox Show, The Night Shift and the US adaptation of Rake and inherited series from the closure of TV1 including 30 Rock, Covert Affairs, Suits, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: CI. In addition to the closure of TV1, this influx of programming was attributed to the end of the output agreement between NBCUniversal and Seven Network in mid 2013, allowing for more programming opportunities for Universal Channel.