Free Preview of Playhouse Disney Channel on StarHub Digital Cable

A Special Weekend Extravaganza for Preschoolers!

Singapore, 25 August 2005 - Playhouse Disney Channel (StarHub Digital Cable Channel 34) will run a free preview from 2 September to 4 September for all StarHub Digital Cable customers! During this period, StarHub Digital Cable customers can enjoy the programmes on Playhouse Disney Channel by simply tuning in to StarHub’s Preview Channel, Channel 01.

Preschoolers in Singapore will get the chance to move and groove with JoJo the clown and her best friend Skeebo from “JoJo’s Circus”, meet interesting characters from the Higglytown neighbourhood, and learn new words with Pooh and his friends from the “Book of Pooh” – all on Asia’s first and only preschool channel!

“The free preview will give preschoolers a very good opportunity to enjoy this wonderful channel. Parents will also be able to see how Playhouse Disney Channel can significantly enhance the creative learning process for their young ones. They can rest assured that their children are learning in a safe, entertaining and educational environment, ” said Ms Sandie Lee, StarHub ' s Senior Vice President, Cable TV services.

Mr Raymund Miranda, Managing Director of Walt Disney TV International (SEA/Korea) added, “Many parents recognize that the preschool years are a critical stage in a child’s mental, physical and social development. As parents naturally want the best for their children, we hope that through this free preview, they will be able to see how Playhouse Disney Channel can serve as an excellent edutainment tool that will stretch the learning potential of their children during these crucial development years.”

The free preview will be a fun-filled weekend extravaganza that will showcase some of the most popular and beloved characters on the channel. Peanut, Baby and Jelly Butter - the young otter siblings from “PB&J Otter”, will get preschoolers up on their feet singing and dancing. Kids can also laugh along with their favourite characters from “Rolie Polie Olie” - a series that revolves around the hilarious world of Olie, a six-year-old robot boy and his Robofamily. There will also be movies galore during the free preview, including “The Tigger Movie” and “Piglet’s Big Movie”, featuring kids’ favourite friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

With programmes that combine music, puppetry, animation, CGI and live action, preschoolers can revel in the enchanting world of Playhouse Disney Channel, and at the same time, gain knowledge and skills. The programmes on Playhouse Disney Channel are based on the “Whole Child Curriculum” developed by early childhood specialist Dr Renee Cherow O’Leary. This curriculum seeks to engage children in early academics, and help them to develop a variety of skill sets, including motor, problem-solving, social, creative and life skills.

In addition, StarHub Digital Cable also has some fantastic prizes lined up for its cable TV customers. Residential customers who are customers of Playhouse Disney Channel (as of 30 September 2005) stand to win five S$500 Toys ‘R’ Us vouchers and 300 Winnie the Pooh Interactive Computers worth S$105 each!

Parents can let their preschoolers imagine and learn with Playhouse Disney Channel for just $4.20 per month, upon subscription of three ‘Basic Groups’ from StarHub Digital Cable’s subscription plan. Existing StarHub Digital Cable customers who wish to subscribe to the channel can call 1633 or visit the Website.

Some of the exciting programmes on Playhouse Disney Channel include:

• “JoJo’s Circus” - JoJo is a 6-year-old clown who lives in her colourful and happy community of Circustown with her parents, Mr Tickles and Peaches, best friend Skeebo, and her faithful companion, Goliath the lion.  Together, they teach children all about movement, through imitable games, catchy songs and funny storylines.
• “The Book of Pooh” - Combining puppetry with CGI, Winnie the Pooh and his friends explore the Hundred Acre Wood, learning about words, language and books.  Lessons are taught through storytelling, poems, wordplay and songs, encouraging creativity and a love for books and language.
• “Higglytown Heroes” - The animated song-filled “Higglytown Heroes” introduces preschoolers to the ordinary "heroes" in the world around them - the average people who provide the framework for a community. The show is designed to present the concept of everyday heroes to preschoolers in a meaningful way that connects to their daily lives with the added message, "You can be a hero, too." Through stories that emphasize teamwork, problem-solving and child appropriate challenges and life lessons, an opportunity for emotional and social learning is presented. In addition, cognitive learning is encouraged through stories and characters that emphasise, define and explain the working nature of a community.
• “PB&J Otter” - Peanut, Baby and Jelly Butter are three young otter siblings who live on a houseboat at Lake Hoohaw.  When faced with problems, the otter kids use the “Noodle Dance” to come up with creative solutions to their problems, encouraging children to do likewise when faced with similar difficulties.
• “Rolie Polie Olie” - Winner of the Emmy® and Parent’s Choice Award, “Rolie Polie Olie” is an animated series which revolves around the hilarious world of Olie, a six-year-old robot boy and his Robofamily.  Olie invites children to imagine, interact and learn with him while imparting family values and teaching important lessons about sharing.
• “Stanley” - Based on characters from the popular children’s book series, Stanley is a curious little boy with a passion for facts. He constantly searches the animal world for clues about how things work.  Together with his trusty “The Great Big Book of Everything,” an encyclopedia that contains a wealth of animal facts, and his pet fish Dennis, Stanley solves everyday problems that children can identify with.
• “Bear in The Big Blue House” - Another Emmy® and Parent’s Choice Award winner, this series is hosted by the seven-foot tall, warm and understanding Bear, who invites the audience into his home each day to play, learn and sing with his friends. Each episode centres on a specific theme like home, birthdays and sharing. This series teaches children about living in a community and helps them to develop thinking and social skills.

Other shows on the channel include the world-famous “Bananas in Pyjamas”, the ever-friendly, helpful “Bob the Builder”, “Clifford the big red dog”, preschoolers’ brand new pint-sized super heroes – “Save Ums”, “Lights, Camera, Action”, “WIGGLES!”, “Connie the Cow”  and “The Adventures of Little Brown Bear”.