Chennai based animation major Pentamedia Graphics Ltd (PGL) may be facing difficulties in other areas but that did not put a spoke in the formal launch of its kids channel Splash today.

Targeted at children below 14, Splash is a free-to-air 24-hour digital channel promoted by Intellivision, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pentamedia.

Test transmission of the channel began on August 17 as a seven-hour block from 2:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Among the shows the channel is showcasing are Splash-o-Paedia and Splash In, two programmes that explore facts and examine current affairs and are anchored by children. These two shows will be aired on Sundays at 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm respectively.

Splash will be the first channel to kickstart with India-specific animated programmes like Pot Pourri and India Folk Tales. While Pot Pourri takes a look at Indian culture and art, India Folk Tales will feature interesting tales with engrossing plots and deep moral and philosophical values.

The channel has also lined up Casper, the friendly ghost on weekends at 9 am and Splash Busters a movie block for the movie buff. The channel promises to air Hollywood blockbusters like Back to Future I,II and III, Flintstones, Junior and The Nutty Professor.

According to reports, Rs 100 -120 million has been sunk into the venture and Pentamedia hopes to achieve revenues of Rs 140 million in the first year of operations. The channel has hired transponder space on Intelsat so as to target the markets in neighboring countries as well.