Disney XD launches on Canadian pay platform

The Walt Disney Company-owned boys’ channel Disney XD has launched in HD on Canadian pay TV platform Shaw Direct.

The English-language network went live on Shaw yesterday alongside younger-skewing French-language channel Disney Junior en Français, also in HD. Additionally, HD versions of Family Channel and Disney Junior’s English-language feed have launched. Channel operator Astral Media owns the networks in Canada.

Disney XD, which broadcasts shows such as Phineas and Ferb and Crash & Bernstein, will be ad-supported; while Disney Junior en Français, which runs shows such as Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins, will be commercial-free, akin to the English-language version.

“We’re pleased to be able to bring Disney XD to Shaw Direct subscribers and introduce more kids and families to the brand of action and comedy that make the channel so unique in the marketplace,” said Joe Tedesco, senior VP and general manager, Astral Kids.

“The popularity of Disney Junior with both Anglophone and Francophone preschoolers and their families continues to grow and we’re excited to be able to deliver the channel to a wider audience.”