2nd Avenue to Cease Broadcast This Thursday; RJTV-29’s Future Still To Be Determined

2nd Avenue will sign off for good this Thursday, leaving the future of RJTV-29 in doubt. (Logo courtesy of Solar Entertainment)

One of Solar Entertainment’s long-running channels will sign off for good.

On Thursday, May 31, 2nd Avenue will officially end its broadcasts following a 12-year run. The channel’s impending departure was expected as 2nd Avenue was not included in the new EasyTV set-top digital TV box that Solar released earlier this month.

So far, no reason was given behind its shutdown, but it is likely that 2nd Avenue became the odd channel out due to redundancy in terms of programming. Some of its shows also air on sister channels ETC and Jack TV, both of which are included in the EasyTV lineup in addition to other foreign entertainment channels.

It also adds plenty of intrigue with regards to the future of RJTV-29, 2nd Avenue’s home channel on free TV. Some have theorized over the fate of said channel, ranging from the return to its original format pre-2nd Avenue to a possible new tie-up with Solar Entertainment.

2nd Avenue was initially launched as a spinoff channel to ETC in late 2005, before it was shortened to its current name a few years later. Starting in 2008, 2nd Avenue became available to free TV when Solar Entertainment and Rajah Broadcasting Network signed a blocktime deal to allow the channel to air on RJTV-29.

Over the years, 2nd Avenue featured a wide array of American and international action, drama, entertainment and suspense programs, some of which were later aired a few hours after its original stateside broadcast. And since the move to RJTV-29, the latter’s own programs such as ‘RJ Sunday Jam’ and ‘Thank God It’s RJ’ were aired as well.

Like its sister Solar channel ETC, 2nd Avenue aired 24/7 on cable, satellite and digital TV. However, its operating hours on analog TV remained limited as it only aired 19 hours per day.

Regardless of what the future holds, viewers should look forward to a new era in RJTV-29’s history no matter how it turns out. As for 2nd Avenue, its run may be over, but its memories remain.

UPDATE: Solar Entertainment officially announced that 2nd Avenue will cease broadcast on Tuesday, June 5, not June 1 as originally posted.

Solar Entertainment Channels Undergo Rebrand

A new era is now underway within Solar Entertainment.

At 8:00 p.m. last Sunday, October 16, the new look of four Solar Entertainment channels were simultaneously unveiled to the general public. The four channels are as follows:

Basketball TV

(logo courtesy of Solar Entertainment)

BTV’s new logo is a stylistic departure from the NBA-inspired original logo. The ‘b’ from the first logo was retained, along with the addition of a red triangle and the acronym ‘TV’ above it.

The new look coincides with the network’s 10th anniversary, which BTV is currently celebrating throughout the year. The hashtag for BTV’s rebrand and anniversary celebration is #ADecadeUnmatched.

Solar Sports

(logo courtesy of Solar Entertainment)

The new logo of Solar Sports is also a stylistic departure from previous logos. This time, the ‘sun’ logo that has been the network’s trademark for 14 years was retired, and in its place is a modernized ‘S’ in maroon, yellow and black colors.

With the new rebrand also comes an improved lineup of programs, as Solar Sports begins to give greater attention towards local sporting events, both at the professional and at the grassroots level. The hashtag #Reinforced reflects the new approach that Solar Sports now takes in its programming.

ETC

(logo courtesy of Solar Entertainment)

ETC decided to go pink, blue and teal with its new look. In line with the latest rebrand, ETC decided to promote themselves as the ‘feistier’ network, and even unveiled the hashtag #feistierETC to hype this new approach.

Despite the change in imagery, the network’s scope towards female-oriented programming will remain unchanged, save for some new programs.

2nd Avenue

(logo courtesy of Solar Entertainment)

2nd Avenue decided to go orange and black for its new look. Not only that, 2nd Avenue promoted its rebrand with the hashtag #DelightfullyReal.

2nd Avenue’s family-oriented programming will remain unaffected despite the change of image. Of course, there will be some new programs to boot.

According to Solar Entertainment chief Wilson Tieng, it was an effort done separately by the stations, as it intends to boost viewership and keep up with modern trends. With advancements in technology continuing to play a huge role in the changes in people’s lives, it’s only perfect timing that Solar decides to embark on this approach, knowing that a new look can entice more viewers to watch.

Although many looked forward to a wholesale change in all Solar Entertainment channels, only three networks decided to keep their current look intact. As of today, Jack TV, CT and NBA Premium TV remained unchanged as far as on-air identity goes.

Still, the new look of the four Solar Entertainment channels should be enticing to see. Hopefully the new look will result in an improved experience for its viewers; after all, Solar Entertainment deserves nothing more than a thumbs-up for its efforts.