Smithsonian Networks has signed its first agreement with a distributor for its programs. DirecTV will begin broadcasting, in high definition, to its subscribers nationwide beginning later this week. Smithsonian Channel"s original programming will be available to millions of viewers.

Among the highlights on Smithsonian Channel is the network"s first original series and one of its signature programs, "Stories from the Vault," with actor Tom Cavanagh, best known for his leading role in the TV program, "Ed." Each half-hour episode of the series will reveal some amazing artifacts that visitors do not get to see and the stories behind them, as told by Smithsonian curators and experts.

In announcing the agreement with DirecTV, Tom Hayden, general manager for Smithsonian Networks, said, "Everyone at DirecTV shares our enthusiasm for the Smithsonian Channel and we"re thrilled to have them as a launch partner." Additional distributors are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, according to Hayden.

Smithsonian Channel will begin as a linear channel (that is, programs that run at a set time each day) and will expand to include On Demand service by the end of the year.

All programming offered by the network is in high definition. Among the offerings will be documentaries, short subjects, events and stories inspired by the Smithsonian"s vast resources and collections (more than 137 million objects). Initially, the programs will be clustered into six broad categories: air and space, pop culture, history and mystery, Smithsonian kids, natural wonders and more Smithsonian. Additional programming will include the British Broadcasting Corporation"s flagship history series "TIMEWATCH," the network"s longest running history series with stories that change our understanding of world events.

Smithsonian Networks was created in January 2006 as a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and Showtime Networks Inc. The agreement allows the Smithsonian to offer its vast national collections and groundbreaking research to millions of TV viewers, many of whom cannot visit the museums in Washington.

Smithsonian Networks has offices in Washington, and New York, with Hayden serving as general manager and David Royle as executive vice president of programming and production, based in Washington, D.C.

Additional information about Smithsonian Networks and short, promotional videos are available online at http://www.smithsoniannetworks.com.

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