Hopefully more than just a rebranding, MTV's high-def MHD music channel is changing names to Palladia. MTV Networks is promising more premier, HD programming.
The new name kicks in on September 1. The old channel suffered from lack of content and constantly repeating programming. Palladia promises to premiere a different concert event every Saturday evening at 9:00pm and a rock movie every Thursday at 9:00 pm.
According to Viacom (owner of MTV,) the term Palladia conveys a sense of spectacle — a grand stage, a vast arena and the excitement of live musical performances.
Will the new lineup live up to the name?
Kicking off the first week, "Outdoor Music Week" begins with concerts from Dave Matthews Band, Genesis, Kanye West, Madonna, Usher, The Rolling Stones and more. Better get the TiVo ready.
"It's a bigger, more distinct name for a channel that has grown in size as well as satisfaction among music HD fans," said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of VH1 who also oversees Palladia. "We're also reinforcing that the channel is THE home for an increasingly broad range of musical styles and artists in high-def performances that can't be seen anywhere else. We believe these changes will help our distributor partners as they continue to sell HD and strive for the best content."
Other planned events include "Classic Rock Movie Week" which airs Monday, November 10 through Sunday, November 16 with first-time-ever HD telecasts of Led Zeppelin's "Song Remains The Same," "Pink Floyd: The Wall" and The Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" as well as channel premieres of "U2: Rattle and Hum" and "Tommy."
If you want your MTV in HD, Palladia might be your fix. —Leslie Shapiro
So far, I've not been impressed at all by the switch. Too much live concert with "Hours" of songs never heard (with good reason) vs. HD of established talent. May get better but with a rebranding and relaunch I would have thought the first week's schedule would have been much better. Maybe a 50/50 split of live vs. Best Performances, Crossroads, etc. would have been a better initial mix.
Posted by: JS | September 07, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Channel would improve greatly if a guide of programing would be available for a week in advance--currently TBA is majority of future shows and events. [where are The Stones, CCR, etc.?]
Posted by: Ralph | September 09, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Anybody know what version they play of moonlight sonata during the crow station identification???
Posted by: Shunyata | September 14, 2008 at 03:50 AM
I love Palladia... Great concerts. Good job! I now have my Saturday nights booked with Palladia. Missie
Posted by: Missie | September 22, 2008 at 07:16 PM
I think it's great! My boyfriend and I are music lovers and we have been watching the past two weeks. The HD concerts are awesome we have a 50" plasma and the picture is just amazing. Please keep the concerts coming, can't wait for the movies..... Keep up the good work! Try some Santana, Sade, Old Rock Classics etc... We've been spreading the word on your channel! Thanks Again
Posted by: Leni&Rene | September 24, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I've only had Palladia since October- but of all the HD channels I've just started getting, this one had been the one most watched. I wish my TiVo had a larger hard drive. Although I like many different types of music, I'm mostly a rock guy so the programming on this channel really suits me. Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Who, Clapton...great stuff. I'm really enjoy the programs from newer artists as well. I hope this channel has a long run and doesn't get spoiled with all the reality show crap the other music channels have decided to focus on.
Posted by: John | November 17, 2008 at 09:26 PM