Village Gamer

HGTV Canada is the hottest address for the most compelling and entertaining stories about the connections people have with the places they call home. This morning the channel unveiled a fresh new on-air look that reflects the channel’s continued position as a favourite entertainment destination. HGTV.ca is also making a splash with a brand-new website, including completely original photo galleries, individual, full-feature pages for each show on HGTV, an impressive video streaming experience and the all-new Find A Pro section, all of which offer exciting sponsorship opportunities.

On the heels of a successful spring season where HGTV enjoyed a 10% increase year-over-year (Source: BBM Canada, PPM Data (1/3/2011- 5/29/2011, 1/2/2012 – 5/27/2012) / Total Canada A25-54 AMA (000)), it’s an optimal time to launch a new look to further expand the channel’s appeal. With its roster of programming that features more character-driven content, HGTV Canada remains fresh and appealing to both loyal and new viewers alike. The new look reinforces these efforts by presenting a dynamic and vibrant look with all-new graphics, a bold new colour palette and fonts, and stylized treatments that encompass all visual elements from series promos to the sleek new logo, as well as the upbeat new music track.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCt4Eb3dSwM]

“The new on-air package appeals to more viewers and gives HGTV Canada a modern and confident look” said Muriel Solomon, Senior Director, Specialty Marketing, Shaw Media. “The brand refresh not only reflects the wider breadth of programming on HGTV, but also emphasizes its position as a top entertainment channel.”

Boasting a compelling new experience for users, the redesigned HGTV.ca simplifies usability and has upgraded and introduced sections where user demand is high. Fans will love the all-new photos section that includes never-before-seen images, a dynamic full-screen video streaming experience, more thorough search capabilities and added social media sharing via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. HGTV.ca now features the Find A Pro section, powered by casaGURU, which allows users to find screened home professionals in their area to help with their own home improvement projects.

“HGTV.ca is an established online destination for home inspiration, and our redesigned site, complete with upgraded functionality and content, will ensure users keep coming back for more” said Paul Burns, Vice President, Digital, Shaw Media.

The new site allows for appealing sponsorship opportunities from the Homepage to the popular blog, in the updated and impressive video centre and for every show on HGTV Canada. The elements available for sponsorship include clickable sponsor logos and ribbons in the header, roadblock leaderboard and big box ads, advertorial brick and in-body features, window shades, wallpaper and custom content integration such as sponsored photo galleries.

HGTV Canada’s on-air look was designed by Shaw Media’s Marketing Team in association with Tendril Design + Animation Inc. HGTV.ca’s new site was designed and built entirely in-house by Shaw Media’s Digital Team.