MUMBAI: BT Vision in the UK has signed a contract with Universal Networks International, the international channels division of NBCUniversal. This will see leading channel brands, Universal Channel, Syfy and E! Entertainment added to its linear line-up, which will launch in the coming weeks.

The three channels will be streamed live and, early in 2013, BT Vision customers will also be able to watch specific programmes on-demand.

Universal Channel’s drama offering includes UK premieres of US crime franchises ‘Law&Order: Special Victims Unit‘ and ‘Criminal Intent‘, as well as ‘Rookie Blue‘ and ‘Flashpoin‘t.

Syfy’s blend of programming comprises drama, movies, reality and factual entertainment from the fantasy, supernatural and science fiction genres. The channel’s content includes dramas ‘Haven‘ and ‘Warehouse 13‘, futuristic thriller ‘Continuum‘ and paranormal investigation series ‘Fact or Faked‘.

Recently refreshed with a new on-air look and “Pop of Culture” tagline, E! is the destination channel for fans of celebrity, entertainment news and popular culture. The channel’s popular original programming includes the reality show ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians‘; the Joan Rivers’ hosted weekly celebrity fashion report, ‘Fashion Police‘ and ‘Live from the Red Carpet‘, offering viewers unparalleled access to the awards season’s red carpet action.

The three new channels join BT Vision’s linear offering, which now includes Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi. BT will be announcing more new channels shortly.

BT CEO TV Marc Watson said, “Universal Channel, Syfy and E! make a fantastic contribution to our channels offering at launch. They offer the best quality drama, hit supernatural thrillers and popular entertainment shows that viewers love. As we expand the number of channels available soon for BT Vision customers, we hope that there will be something there for everyone. We will cater for drama lovers, comedy addicts and sports fans in equal measure. We are not finished yet and we will be announcing some more much-loved channels to complete our roster.”

Universal Networks International UK MD Laurence Dawkin-Jones said, “We are delighted to be able to bring BT Vision customers three of our core channel brands and the range of high-calibre programming they boast. From exclusive hit dramas to the world’s most-talked about reality series, our channels will make a unique and compelling contribution to the BT Vision offering.”