Play4 (TV channel)
Country | Belgium |
---|---|
Ownership | |
Owner | ProSiebenSat.1 Media |
- VT4 can also mean the fourth version of Video Toaster, VT[4], a non-linear video editing and effects software package.
VT4 (Viking Television 4)[citation needed] is a Flemish commercial television channel. It is part of ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG.
The channel began broadcasting on 1 February 1995. The channel initially had no Belgian broadcasting license and was transmitted via London (actually from the BBC building at Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire). The channel now broadcasts legally from Zaventem in Belgium. It is available on the cable network in Brussels as well as in Flanders.
At first the channel was aimed at an adult demographic but this approach was deemed unsuccessful and the channel moved to a youth-oriented schedule with many imported popular American programmes (like The Simpsons, My Wife and Kids, Friends), all of which carry Dutch subtitles. This approach has been more successful and the channel now has a market share of more than 7%.
The owners of VT4 also own and operate a sister station called VIJFtv.
Internet television
In 2007, VT4 struck a deal with Zattoo so that Belgian residents can watch the channel using their online television service for free.
VT4 HD
VT4 HD was launched as a temporary high-definition channel on June 7th 2008 to coincide with the kick-off of Euro 2008. It was merely a simulcast of VT4's schedule, but the Euro 2008 matches and all related talk shows were broadcast in HD. VT4 HD was available exclusively to Telenet Digital TV subscribers and was shut down on June 29th 2008.