Hallmark Channel's parent company, Crown Media Holdings, has selected Scientific-Atlanta's PowerVu digital transmission system for distribution of the new Hallmark Movie Channel.

Richard Buchanan, senior vice president of operations and business development at the Hallmark Channel, said:

"In our planning, we examined various delivery systems for the digital movie channel. Our prior experience with Scientific-Atlanta's PowerVu system worldwide provides a great amount of confidence that the capabilities of this technology solution will enable us to move forward rapidly with our launch of the Hallmark Movie Channel."

Hallmark Movie Channel will feature original movies and miniseries' from the Crown library, as well as Hallmark Hall of Fame Collection movies. The channel is expected to launch in January 2004.