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#REDIRECT [[Funimation#Funimation Channel]]
{{Infobox website
{{Rcat shell|
| name = Funimation Channel
{{R to related topic}}
| logo = Funimation 2016.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2016
| caption =
| url = {{URL|funimation.com}}
| area_served = America, Oceania, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia
| commercial = Yes
| company_type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Video on demand]]
| registration = Required
| language = English, Spanish, Portuguese
| num_users = 2.5 million
| owner = [[Sony]] <small>([[Sony Pictures Entertainment]] and [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]] joint ownership)</small>
| parent = [[Funimation|Funimation Global Group]]
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2016|1|7}}
| current_status = Active
| footnotes =
}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Funimation Channel
| logo = Funimation Channel Logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| launch_date = {{start date and age|2005|9|29}}
| closed_date = {{end date and age|2015|12|31}}
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)
| owner = Olympusat
| parent = [[Funimation]]
| slogan = ''You Should Be Watching''
| country = United States
| language = English<br />Spanish (via [[Second audio program|SAP]] audio track)
| area = [[Northern America]]
| network = Colours TV (2006–2008)
| affiliates =
| headquarters = [[West Palm Beach, Florida]]
| former_names =
| replaced_by = [[Toku (TV network)|Toku]]
| sister_channels =
| timeshift_service =
| web = {{url|funimation.com}}
| cable_serv_1 =
| cable_chan_1 =
| iptv_serv_1 =
| iptv_chan_1 =
| iptv_serv_2 =
| iptv_chan_2 =
| iptv_serv_3 =
| iptv_chan_3 =
| online_serv_1 =
| online_chan_1 =
| online_serv_2 =
| online_chan_2 =
}}
'''Funimation Channel''' is an American [[subscription video on demand]] [[streaming media|streaming]] service and former [[pay television]] channel that specializes in the online streaming and simulcasting of Japanese [[anime]] series. It was originally launched in 2005 as a television channel owned by Olympusat. In 2015, the original cable channel was replaced by [[Toku (TV network)|Toku]]. The channel relaunched on January 7, 2016, as a digital streaming service owned by [[Funimation]], a subsidiary of [[Sony]].
==History==
===As a television channel===
Funimation Channel started out as a syndicated block on Colours TV, one of OlympuSAT's affiliate networks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Navarres Funimation Entertainment doubles anime programming for syndicated anime block|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/648247/navarres_funimation_entertainment_doubles_anime_programming_for_syndicated_anime_block/index.html|access-date=3 November 2010|newspaper=RedOrbit|date=7 September 2006}}</ref> Programs during this era were ''[[Dragon Ball]]'', ''[[Negima! Magister Negi Magi|Negima!]]'', ''[[Kodocha]]'', ''[[Slayers|The Slayers]]'', ''[[Blue Gender]]'', ''[[Kiddy Grade]]'', ''[[Fruits Basket]]'', ''[[Case Closed]]'' and ''[[Yu Yu Hakusho]]''. The block was later discontinued in favor of a more successful expansion on subscription television.
On 1 May 2008, Funimation Channel became a 24-hour English-dubbed anime subscription network; the second of its kind in North America (following [[A.D. Vision]]'s [[Anime Network]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Funimation Entertainment announces the launch of the Funimation Channel in Seattle|url=http://www.mania.com/navarres-funimation-entertainment-announces-launch-funimation-channel-seattle_article_85177.html|access-date=3 November 2010|newspaper=Mania|date=20 December 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123151027/http://www.mania.com/navarres-funimation-entertainment-announces-launch-funimation-channel-seattle_article_85177.html|archive-date=23 January 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Olympusat was chosen as the exclusive distributor of Funimation Channel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navarre's Funimation Entertainment and Verizon sign distribution agreement|url=http://ir.navarre.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=105157&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=870233&highlight=|publisher=Navarre|date=29 September 2005|access-date=17 June 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117030507/http://ir.navarre.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=105157&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=870233&highlight=|archive-date=17 November 2006}}</ref> The service originally was available to a few cities via [[digital terrestrial television]] and was temporary-only as the channel was trying to gain a foothold in the already-crowded pay television landscape.
In May 2009, Funimation Channel continued its expansion on subscription providers launching on [[Comcast]]'s VOD platform <ref>{{cite news|title=Funimation anime on demand now on Comcast Nationwide|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-11/funimation-anime-on-demand-now-on-comcast-nationwide|access-date=3 November 2010|newspaper=Anime News Network|date=5 May 2009}}</ref> and offering two services - Free on demand and PPV on demand. The PPV VOD offers viewers a chance to watch titles prior to their DVD release.<ref>{{cite news|title=PR Newswire|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/funimation-channel-continues-expansion-61811752.html|access-date=21 April 2013}}</ref> Movies and packaged specials were available at US$3.00 each while episodes are available at US$1.00 each.
The channel had plans to launch an edition in Spanish, although without success.<ref>{{Cite news|title=FUNimation Channel PROMO en ESPAÑOL (in spanish) - Dailymotion video |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd5hsu|access-date= February 19, 2018|date = May 2, 2010|website = Dailymotion|language = en}}</ref>
As of 27 September 2010, Funimation launched an HD feed alongside existing VOD services.<ref>{{cite news|title=Funimation Channel goes high-definition|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2010-09-07/funimation-channel-goes-high-definition|access-date=3 November 2010|newspaper=Anime News Network|date=7 September 2010}}</ref> On 16 February 2012, [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] announced that it will drop Funimation Channel from its [[Verizon FiOS]] service "on, or after 15 March" due to "very low viewership".<ref name="drop">{{cite web|title=Verizon drops Funimation Channel from FiOS service|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-16/verizon-drops-funimation-channel-from-fios-service|access-date=17 February 2012|date=16 February 2012}}</ref> In response to reaction from its customers, Verizon returned Funimation Channel via VOD.<ref name="Verizon FiOS TV">{{cite news|title=Olympusat’s Funimation Channel now available on Verizon FiOS TV video on demand|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2012-05-02/olympusat-funimation-channel-hd-now-available-to-4-million-subscribers-on-verizon-fios|access-date=8 May 2012}}</ref> Channel 262 remains on the [[Frontier Communications#Frontier FiOS|FiOS]] system operated by Frontier Communications in some ex-Verizon territories.<ref>[http://www.frontier.com/Documents/Guides/OR_2012_FIOSChannelGuide_122911.pdf Frontier FiOS TV channel lineup]</ref> [[Cablevision]]'s Optimum TV recently launched<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/OptimumTV/FUNimation/prweb10263317.htm |title=Olympusat’s FUNimation Channel Launches SVOD Package On Optimum TV |publisher=Prweb.com |date=2012-12-21 |access-date=2016-05-06}}</ref> FUNimation Channel On Demand in the NY/NJ/CT Tri-State area. Adding this MSO increased FUNimation Channel's footprint to over 40 million households nationwide.
===As a digital streaming service===
On 8 December 2015, it was reported that the Funimation Channel would be replaced by [[Toku]] on 31 December 2015. The new network would start broadcasting live-action, grindhouse and independent East Asian movies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Funimation Channel changing its name|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2015/12/08/funimation-channel-changing-its-name/|access-date=8 December 2015|newspaper=[[The Fandom Post]]|date=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=toku>{{cite news|title=Guides & types of programming|url=https://frontier.com/helpcenter/Categories/tv/fios-tv/guides-and-types-of-programming|access-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> It was subsequently announced, on 15 December 2015, that Funimation would end its partnership with Olympusat and relaunch Funimation Channel as a digital streaming service in January 2016.<ref name=relaunch>{{cite news|title=Funimation Channel to relaunch in 2016|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-15/funimation-channel-to-relaunch-in-2016/.96524|access-date=22 December 2015|newspaper=[[Anime News Network]]|date=15 December 2015}}</ref>
The Funimation Channel signed off on December 31, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time]], after an episode of ''[[Fairy Tail]]''. A bumper was briefly aired afterwards, which was interrupted by Toku's programming stream, which aired ''[[Rio: Rainbow Gate!]]'' at the time of the transition.
==Availability==
The streaming service is available through Funimation's official website in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Ireland]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Mexico]], and [[Brazil]]. In select parts of [[Europe]], [[Africa]], and [[Asia]], it is available via [[Wakanim]].
The Funimation Channel is also available on [[digital media player]]s ([[Apple TV]], [[Amazon Fire TV]], and [[Roku]]), [[smart TV]]s ([[Android TV]], [[Chromecast]], [[Samsung]], and [[LG Electronics]]), [[video game console]]s ([[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]], and [[Nintendo Switch]]) and [[smartphone]]s ([[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[Amazon Kindle]]).
==Programming==
Funimation Channel's programming came from [[Funimation]], [[Aniplex of America]], [[Viz Media]], [[Sentai Filmworks]], [[Right Stuf Inc.]], [[Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]], [[Discotek Media]], and the now-defunct [[Central Park Media]] and [[Enoki Films|Enoki Films USA]].
===Anime series===
====Former====
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[.hack//Quantum]]''
*''[[A Certain Magical Index]]''
*''[[A Certain Scientific Railgun]]''
*''[[Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero]]''
*''[[Appleseed XIII]]''
*''[[Assassination Classroom]]''
*''[[Attack on Titan]]''
*''[[Genesis of Aquarion]]''
*''[[Aquarion Evol]]''
*''[[Aria the Scarlet Ammo]]''
*''[[B Gata H Kei]]''
*''[[Baccano!]]''
*''[[Baka and Test]]''
*''[[Baki the Grappler]]''
*''[[Bamboo Blade]]''
*''[[Basilisk (manga)|Basilisk]]''
*''[[Beck (manga)|Beck]]''
*''[[Ben-To]]''
*''[[Big Windup!]]''
*''[[Black Blood Brothers]]''
*''[[Black Butler]]''
*''[[Black Cat (manga)|Black Cat]]''
*''[[Black Lagoon]]''
*''[[Blassreiter]]''
*''[[Blood-C]]''
*''[[Blue Gender]]''
*''[[Boogiepop Phantom]]''
*''[[Burst Angel]]''
*''[[Buso Renkin]]''
*''[[C (anime)|C]]''
*''[[Case Closed]]''
*''[[Casshern Sins]]''
*''[[Cat Planet Cuties]]''
*''[[Chaos;Head]]''
*''[[Chobits]]''
*''[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]''
*''[[Claymore (manga)|Claymore]]''
*''[[Code:Breaker]]''
*''[[Corpse Princess]]''
*''[[D.Gray-man]]''
*''[[D-Frag!]]''
*''[[Danganronpa]]''
*''[[Darker than Black]]''
*''[[Deadman Wonderland]]''
*''[[Devil May Cry: The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Dragon Ball (anime)|Dragon Ball]]''
**''[[Dragon Ball Z]]''
**''[[Dragon Ball GT]]''
**''[[Dragon Ball Z Kai]]''
*''[[Dragonaut: The Resonance]]''
*''[[Eden of the East]]''
*''[[El Cazador de la Bruja]]''
*''[[Ergo Proxy]]''
*''[[Eureka Seven]]''
**''[[Eureka Seven: AO]]''
*''[[Fafner in the Azure]]''
*''[[Fairy Tail]]''
*''[[Fractale]]''
*''[[Freezing (manga)|Freezing]]''
*''[[Fruits Basket]]''
*''[[Full Metal Panic!]]''
**''[[Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu]]''
*''[[Future Diary]]''
*''[[Ga-Rei]]''
*''[[The Galaxy Railways]]''
*''[[Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo]]''
*''[[Good Luck Girl!]]''
*''[[Gungrave (anime)|Gungrave]]''
*''[[Gunslinger Girl]]''
*''[[Haganai]]''
*''[[Haré+Guu]]''
*''[[Heaven's Lost Property]]''
*''[[Hero Tales]]''
*''[[Heroic Age (anime)|Heroic Age]]''
*''[[Hetalia: Axis Powers]]''
*''[[High School DxD]]''
*''[[Kare Kano]]''
*''[[Honey and Clover]]''
*''[[Hunter x Hunter]]''
*''[[Hyperdimension Neptunia]]''
*''[[Ikki Tousen]]''
*''[[Is This a Zombie?]]''
*''[[Jormungand (manga)|Jormungand]]''
*''[[Jyu-Oh-Sei]]''
*''[[Kamisama Kiss]]''
*''[[Karneval (manga)|Karneval]]''
*''[[Kaze no Stigma]]''
*''[[Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple]]''
*''[[Kiddy Grade]]''
*''[[Kodocha]]''
*''[[Lucky Star (manga)|Lucky Star]]''
*''[[Last Exile]]''
*''[[Level E]]''
*''[[Linebarrels of Iron]]''
*''[[Maken-ki!]]''
*''[[Michiko & Hatchin]]''
*''[[Monster (manga)|Monster]]''
*''[[Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase]]''
*''[[Mushishi]]''
*''[[My Bride is a Mermaid]]''
*''[[Nabari no Ou]]''
*''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]''
*''[[Negima! Magister Negi Magi]]''
*''[[Ninja Nonsense]]''
*''[[Oh! Edo Rocket]]''
*''[[Okami-san and Her Seven Companions]]''
*''[[Ouran High School Host Club]]''
*''[[Pandalian]]''
*''[[Peach Girl]]''
*''[[Phantom of Inferno]]''
*''[[Ping Pong (manga)|Ping Pong]]''
*''[[Princess Jellyfish]]''
*''[[Revolutionary Girl Utena]]''
*''[[Rideback (manga)|Rideback]]''
*''[[Robotics;Notes]]''
*''[[Samurai 7]]''
*''[[Samurai Champloo]]''
*''[[Sankarea: Undying Love]]''
*''[[Sasami: Magical Girls Club]]''
*''[[School Rumble]]''
*''[[Sekirei]]''
*''[[Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings]]''
*''[[Serial Experiments Lain]]''
*''[[Shakugan no Shana]]''
*''[[Shangri-La (novel)|Shangri-La]]''
*''[[Shigurui]]''
*''[[Shiki (novel)|Shiki]]''
*''[[Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars]]''
*''[[Slayers]]''
*''[[SoltyRei]]''
*''[[Soul Eater (manga)|Soul Eater]]''
*''[[Spice and Wolf]]''
*''[[Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning]]''
*''[[Suzuka (manga)|Suzuka]]''
*''[[Tenchi Muyo! GXP]]''
*''[[Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar]]''
*''[[Birdy the Mighty]]''
*''[[Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor]]''
*''[[The Legend of the Legendary Heroes]]''
*''[[The Sacred Blacksmith]]''
*''[[2001 Nights]]''
*''[[Tokyo Ghoul]]''
*''[[Trinity Blood]]''
*''[[Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle]]''
*''[[Witchblade (anime)|Witchblade]]''
*''[[xxxHolic]]''
*''[[YuYu Hakusho]]''
{{div col end}}
===Anime films===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[Bayonetta: Bloody Fate]]''
*''[[Blood-C: The Last Dark]]''
*''[[Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker]]''
*''[[Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone]]''
*''[[Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance]]''
*''[[Fairy Tail the Movie: Phoenix Priestess]]''
*''[[Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos]]''
*''[[Grave of the Fireflies]]''
*''[[King of Thorn]]''
*''[[Mass Effect: Paragon Lost]]''
*''[[Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror]]''
*''[[Origin: Spirits of the Past]]''
*''[[Adolescence of Utena]]''
*''[[Sengoku Basara: The Last Party]]''
*''[[Summer Wars]]''
*''[[Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike]]''
*''[[Tenchi the Movie: Tenchi Muyo in Love]]''
*''[[Tenchi the Movie 2: The Daughter of Darkness]]''
*''[[Trigun: Badlands Rumble]]''
*''[[Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer]]''
*''[[Vexille]]''
{{div col end}}
===OVAs===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[Hellsing Ultimate]]''
*''[[Project A-ko]]''
*''[[Record of Lodoss War]]''
*''[[Roujin Z]]''
{{div col end}}
===Live-action films===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[009-1]]''
*''[[Alien vs Ninja]]''
*''[[Goemon (film)|Goemon]]''
*''[[Higanjima]]''
*''[[Ichi (film)|Ichi]]''
*''[[Kamui Gaiden]]''
*''[[RoboGeisha]]''
*''[[Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist]]''
*''[[The Treasure Hunter]]''
*''[[The Legend Is Born: Ip Man]]''
*''[[Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl]]''
{{div col end}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.funimation.com/}}
{{Sony Pictures}}
{{Sony Music}}
{{VOD services}}
[[Category:Funimation]]
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Funimation]]
[[Category:Anime television]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations disestablished in 2015]]
[[Category:Defunct television networks in the United States]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2016]]
[[Category:Internet television streaming services]]
[[Category:Subscription video on demand services]]
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