Disney Junior HD launches in the U.K.

Disney’s preschool channel Disney Junior has officially launched in the U.K. in high definition. The Mouse cabler already transmits HD versions of its core Disney Channel and Disney XD in high def in the country. The new service will be carried exclusively on DTH platform BSkyB. Disney and Sky recently renewed a longstanding programming and channels deal, which also features the launch of a new joint venture service Sky Movies Disney.

Boel Ferguson, VP and general manager, Disney Channels and Disney Online, U.K. & Ireland, said: “Disney Junior is the entry point to all things Disney and with the company’s continuous focus on quality, our audiences first experience of the brand should be in HD, the ultimate standard for broadcasting.”

Disney also reported that its new CG-animated preschool show Henry Hugglemonster delivered over 620,000 viewers through launch weekend and that its Princess animated series Sofia the First was its most popular launch ever. Henry Hugglemonster, which will premiere at 5 p.m. ET/PT on Monday, follows the adventures of the 5-year-old title character, who is the middle child in a happy, close-knit monster family. Based on the award-winning children’s book I’m a Happy Hugglewug by Niamh Sharkey, the musical, animated series will find Henry sharing everyday life lessons that are relatable to kids age 2-7.

Henry Hugglemonster