About
The Home Channel is a South African lifestyle-themed television channel which began life as Summit TV's Weekend Property programme before becoming a channel in its own right.
AVAILABILITY
DStv: Channel 176 (originally 55 and 182)
Bouquet: Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, Access, Indian
Openview: Channel 113 (from 16 May, 2022)
PICTURE FORMAT
576i (SDTV, 16:9) - DStv
1080p (HDTV, 16:9) - DStv (since 19 June 2023)
ABOUT
Positioning itself as the "home of the latest decor trends and home improvements ideas", The Home Channel began life in May 2005 as a property insert on the weekend programming block of the now-defunct Summit TV, which had launched six years previously.
It was South Africa's first channel dedicated to home improvement, décor, design and property genres.
Initially airing on Channel 55 on weekends in an eight-hour loop repeated four times each day, the channel moved to a dedicated, daily channel (Ch 182) from 15 October, 2007. In 2012 it moved to Channel 176, where it has remained since.
At launch, the channel's first local content was the 13-episode series Colour with Panache, hosted by Lindsay Vine. The series explored the impact of colour in our lives and featured Vine speaking to design, decor, architectural and colour experts.
International content at launch included Debbie Travis's Facelift, a reality-type Canadian makeover series; Design Rivals, a design and decor show; Holmes On Homes, a home improvement consumer-orientated series; and British series Dolce Vita, a celebration of Italian design, fashion and food.
When the channel upgraded to a daily, standalone channel in October 2007, there were numerous new décor and home improvement programming shows in primetime on weeknights.
From 19h00-20h00 home improvement, DIY and crafts shows aired every night. 20h00-21h00 was scheduled for décor and design shows, while Thursday nights were devoted to design reality shows in which contestants pit their décor talents against each other.
Starting on Thursday, 18 October 2007 at 20h00 was Design Interns, an all-access pass into the intimidating world of a powerhouse design firm, where 12 recent interior designer graduates compete for a job.
Other shows to have aired on the channel include Take it Outside, Kitchen Crimes, No Experience Required, B. Original, What's Your Sign Design, Cash in the Attic, Don't Sweat It, 60-Minute Makeover, Risky Business, Time Makeover, Mission Organization, Big City Broker, Divine Design, Fat Men Can't Hunt, Making it Big, Gardening by the Yard, Rock Solid, Outer Spaces, Honey I Ruined the House, Crimes of Fashion, Feng Shui Life, Carefree Gardener, House of Dreams, Trading Up, Save Us From Our House, Takeover My Makeover, Outrageous Wasters, Designer Guys, She's Crafty, Ugliest House on the Block, Perfect Housewife, Holmes on Homes and Marriage Under Construction.
The Home Channel was added to Openview's bouquet on 16 May, 2022, having previously been exclusive to DStv.
The channel moved from SD (standard definition) to HD (high definition) on Monday 19 June, 2023, along with a new logo and an overall look-and-feel refresh.
The Home Channel is owned by Arena Broadcast, who also own IGNITION TV and Business Day TV.
Presenters of programmes on The Home Channel have included the following:
Ashley Dowds
Elle Franco
Gloria Bastos
Hilary Biller
Jill Manson
Juanita Knox
Juliet Newell
Linda Galvad
Lindsay Vine
Mampho Brescia
Melanie Walker
Michelle Garforth-Venter
Michelle Mclean
Pilani Bubu
Ryan Paulsen
Stacey Holland
Tanya Visser
Teresa Alho
The six main content pillars of the channel are:
Design & Décor
The channel broadcasts a range of design and décor shows from step-by-step home makeovers to inspirational, international interior showcases.
Property
From buying and selling houses to turning wasted spaces into money-making assets, the content gives viewers the know-how they need to get the most out of their properties.
Gardening
gardening shows for the novice gardener and landscaping wannabe alike, along with spectacular, international green spaces.
DIY and Home Improvement
Dream homes are built and DIY disasters are made right. The content covers major construction right through to step-by-step DIY instruction.
Home Cooking
Simple, stylish food for everyday living with a hint of glamour for those special occasions, with a range of local shows and presenters.
Health
The health content offers a holistic perspective to all things body, mind and soul. From making the right food choices to dealing with mental and physical issues, the shows aim to teach you how to live a better, healthier life.
LOGOS
May 2005 - October 2007
2012-18 June 2023
19 June 2023-
