Audio Video News

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

Viacom News