DOGTV is already available in some markets and debuts nationally August 1 on DirecTV, at $6 to $10 a month. Roku users also can subscribe.
Programs allegedly promote relaxation or stimulation, or simply display scenes of daily doggy life. A “relaxation” preview on DOGTV’s site features a montage of boats on a lake and pooches lounging in exotic locales—all set to a new age score.
The offerings are designed specifically for a dog’s eyes and ears. Images are colored to enhance details. Contrast, brightness and frame rate are also tweaked to accommodate canine vision. And sounds and music stay within a specific frequency range to keep canine viewers from being startled or agitated.
DOGTV’s three-to-six-minute features are programmed to fit into the average stay-at-home dog’s daily routine. If the channel is a success, it could bring new meaning to the term watchdog.
—Larry Greenemeier
