Music Choice (abbreviated as MC) is an American company that programs music and produces music-related content for digital cable television, mobile phone and cable modem users in the United States. Music Choice programs dozens of audio music channels for digital cable subscribers, as well as programs and produces music-related content for on-demand customers with access to Music Choice On-Demand. Music Choice also offers video and audio music programming for cell phone customers through Sprint and AT&T. Music Choice's interactive music video network, SWRV, was started in February 2010 and rebranded in 2013 to Music Choice Play. This is because the "slideshow" to change pictures for each music channel runs at a very low frame rate, allowing for the compression ratio to be very high for the MPEG-2 digital video compression used in the ATSC standard, until 2012. The channels on Music Choice do not include interruptions.
Many digital cable and telco companies carry Music Choice, including Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, Grande Communications, Service Electric Cable TV, CenturyLink, and Bright House Networks. Other companies offer similar audio services for commercial customers, such as Muzak, DMX and Stingray Music.
The following is a list of all of the music streaming channels that exist from Music Choice, an American company that programs music and produces music-related content for digital cable television, mobile phone and cable modem users in the United States. Music Choice (formerly known as Digital Cable Radio) was the first digital audio broadcast service in the world and, under its founder and CEO David Del Beccaro, launched in test markets circa 1987.
As of 2014, Music Choice offers 52 linear channels: one video channel, Music Choice Play; 50 audio-with-slideshow channels; and one audio-only channel, Taste of Italy. The first and last are only available in a few limited areas.
All of Music Choice's audio music channels provide continuous music streaming with no talk, commercials or bumpers. Music Choice offers various streams across multiple genres, with each devoted to a particular genre. While a song is playing, artist, song and album or mixtape information appears on screen as well as trivia facts, artist pictures and generic graphics relevant to that particular channel. It also changes old artist photos to new photos. Music Choice has an editorial staff that checks facts and finds images to provide for artists. Music Choice programmers select the music based on current charts, music trends, sales, what they feel is hot in the industry and feedback from viewers. All of Music Choice's channels play versions without explicit language except for Rap, Metal, Alternative, Rock Hits, Dance/EDM, Indie, and Adult Alternative.
After each song, the screen design will rotate to prevent burn-in on television screens. Banner advertisements are displayed on every music channel in lieu of commercials, programmed by individual providers at the headend level via local insertion. Music Choice does not offer any spoken word programming; an unrelated service, the CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks, provides a complementary slate of talk radio channels to cable providers. Music Choice has been found as of 2013 to be the fourth highest-ranking channel in Nielsen ratings based in the 12-34-year-old demographic.
List of current Music Choice channels
Music Choice Smooth Jazz - November 22, 2014 - A full, uncut hour of the Music Choice Smooth Jazz channel. Songs: 0:00 Paul Jackson, Jr. - P.J. III 4:14 Dean Grech - Shake It Around 8:02 Earl Klugh - Slow Boat to Rio 12:09 Euge Groove...
(Current lineup as of January 1, 2017)
† : Indicates a channel that is uncensored. Some cable providers may assume this channel as TV-MA.
Classical
- Classical Masterpieces (TV-G) - Classical works from composers of the Renaissance to the present day, generally of considerable length.
- Light Classical (TV-G) - Classical works from composers of the late Renaissance to the present day, generally of shorter length than those featured on "Classical Masterpieces".
- Opera (TV-G) - Opera and classical vocal music.
Country
- Pop & Country (TV-G) - Plays modern country songs along with today's pop songs. (e.g. Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Magic!, Kelly Clarkson, etc.) Branding agreement with Cumulus Media's Nash FM began November 24, 2014.
- Today's Country (TV-G) - Modern country music hits of today's hottest country stars from 2007 to today. (e.g. Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban).
- Nash Icon (TV-G) - Country music from 1992 to today. (e.g. Garth Brooks, George Strait, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, and The Dixie Chicks.) Formerly known as "Country Hits;" branding agreement with Cumulus Media begins November 24, 2014.
- Classic Country (TV-G) - Traditional country music from the 1940s to 1991. (e.g. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Strait.)
- Country Hits (TV-G) - A mix of classic to today's country hits. (e.g. Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood)
- Americana (TV-G) - A mix of alternative country and Americana music. (e.g. John Prine, Son Volt, Iris DeMent, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars)
- Bluegrass (TV-G) - a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music. (e.g. The Grascals, The Del McCoury Band, Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss, Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs)
Dance
- Dance/EDM (TV-G) - A channel that plays electronic-styled music and club hits. (e.g. Neon Hitch, Peaches, Digitalism, Daft Punk, and David Guetta)
- Classic Dance (TV-G) - A channel that plays 1970s-1990s electronic-styled dance music, disco and club hits. (e.g. Ace of Base, Amber, C+C Music Factory, Snap!)
- Lounge (TV-G) - A mix of electronic chill-out, downtempo, ambient and electronic lounge music. (e.g. Air, Moby, The Orb and Zero 7)
Easy Listening & New Age
- Easy Listening (TV-G) - Instrumentals performed by string orchestras and soloists from around the world. (e.g. Living Strings, Mantovani, Ronnie Aldrich)
- Soundscapes (TV-G) - Mix of new age and atmospheric music. (e.g. Jim Brickman, Steven Halpern, Enya)
Jazz/Standards & Blues
- Blues (TV-G) - Blues music from the early artists of the 1920s to today. (e.g. B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Little Milton)
- Smooth Jazz (TV-G) - Modern jazz music with hints of pop and rock inspiration. (e.g. David Benoit, Kirk Whalum, Lee Ritenour, Sade, George Benson, The Rippingtons)
- Jazz (TV-G) - Traditional and contemporary jazz mix that utilizes traditional jazz elements. (e.g. Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Stan Getz)
- Singers & Swing (TV-G) - big band, swing, adult standards & vocal jazz. (e.g. Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman)
- Stage & Screen (TV-G) - An original mix of music from the movies, TV and Broadway: from blockbuster film scores to memorable TV theme songs to classic Broadway showtunes. (e.g. Disney on Broadway, Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Kids & Family
- Kidz Only! (TV-G) - Music popular with youngsters and "tweens", including TV and movie soundtracks. (e.g. Mindless Behavior, Ross Lynch, Allstar Weekend, Taylor Swift); ad-free
- Toddler Tunes (TV-G) - Contemporary music aimed at babies, toddlers, and young children; includes lullabies that are played at night. (e.g. Joanie Bartels, Laurie Berkner, Baby Einstein); ad-free
- Kids Movie Soundtracks (TV-G) - Soundtracks from kids and family-friendly movies. (e.g. Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato, Ashley Tisdale, Glee cast, Drew Seeley, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron)
Latin
- Mexicana (TV-G) - A wide variety of traditional folk music from Mexico, featuring styles such as Ranchera, Banda and Mariachi. (e.g. Pepe Aguillar, Joan Sebastian, Huracanes del Norte, Banda el Recodo, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón)
- Musica Urbana (TV-G) - Urban music popular in Latin communities such as Reggaeton and Latin hip-hop. (e.g. Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee)
- Pop Latino (TV-G) - Today's hottest hits and pop music from Latin artists. (e.g. Ricky Martin, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Paulina Rubio)
- Romances (TV-G) - A mix of romantic and popular Spanish love songs from the past and present. (e.g. Roberto Carlos, Luis Miguel, Joan Sebastian, Juan Gabriel)
- Tropicales (TV-G) - Music popular in tropical locations, such as the Caribbean. (e.g. Aventura, Celia Cruz, VÃctor Manuelle, Marc Anthony)
- Latin Jazz (TV-G) - Latin jazz music. (e.g. Gillespie and Pozo, Machito, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Mongo SantamarÃa)
- Rock Latino (TV-G) - A mix of rock en español and Latin alternative music. (e.g. Heroes Del Silencio, Soda Stereo, Alejandra Guzmán, Maná, Café Tacuba, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, No Te Va Gustar)
- Teen Ritmos (TV-G) English- and Spanish-language popular music geared towards teenagers. (e.g. Becky G, Selena Gomez, Prince Royce, One Direction, 5th Harmony)
Pop & Decades
- Pop Hits (TV-G) - A mix of pop hits that include youth orientated music with no rap. (e.g. Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Maroon 5).
- Solid Gold Oldies (TV-G) - The biggest hits of the fifties and sixties. (e.g. Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Mamas & the Papas, Sam Cooke, The Beach Boys, The Temptations)
- '70s (TV-G) - Hits from the 1970s. (e.g. Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, The Jackson 5)
- '80s (TV-G) - Hits from the 1980s. (e.g. Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, George Michael)
- '90s (TV-G) - Hits from the 1990s. (e.g. Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, TLC)
- Y2K†- Hits from the 2000s. Songs from the early 2010s may also air. (e.g. Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Nelly, Usher)
- Max (TV-G) - Today's cutting edge and mainstream popular music. (e.g. Drake, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake)
- Hit List (TV-G) - Popular Top 40 hits. (e.g. Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, P!nk)
- Party Favorites (TV-G) - Mix of music for special occasions and parties. (e.g. Rihanna, Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas)
- Soft Rock (Formerly known as Light Hits) (TV-G) - Slow and mid-tempo pop music, adult contemporary music, country music, and popular music from the past. (e.g. Leona Lewis, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion) (up until 2016, the normal schedule was replaced with contemporary Christmas music from November 29 through January 6).
- Teen Beats (TV-G) - Popular music geared towards teenagers. (e.g. Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, One Direction.)
- Brits + Hits (TV-G) - British popular music. (e.g. Adele, Robbie Williams, The Wanted, The Saturdays)
Religious
- Contemporary Christian (TV-G) - Inspiring and uplifting Christian and worship music from the 1980s to the present. (e.g. Mercyme, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day)
- Gospel (TV-G) - Modern and traditional gospel music. (e.g. Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker)
Rock
- Adult Alternative (TV-MA) - Alternative music that is targeted for more adult audiences. (e.g. Amy Winehouse, My Morning Jacket, Tracy Chapman)
- Alternative (TV-MA) - Music from bands redefining the modern rock landscape. (e.g. The Killers, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nickelback, My Chemical Romance)
- Classic Rock (TV-PG) - Album-oriented playlists from the 1960s through the 2010s with artists who helped pioneer the genre of rock music. (e.g. Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Moody Blues, Yes, David Bowie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston, Talking Heads, Asia, Billy Squier, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Queen, Styx, The Who).
- New Wave (TV-G) - Pogo your way through the synthesized sounds of post-punk and new wave. ("e.g." Duran Duran, The Pretenders, Eurythmics, Culture Club, A Flock of Seagulls).
- Metal†- Aggressive sounding metal music using exotic and experimental techniques and genres. Most, if not all music on this channel is from the 2000s and 2010s. (e.g. Killswitch Engage, Down, Crowbar, Pantera, Periphery, Lamb of God)
- Indie - Modern day alternative music.
- Rock Hits (TV-MA) - An mix of arena rock and modern rock; music is played in blocks, separated by decade. (e.g. Nirvana, Bon Jovi, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Weezer).
- Rock (TV-G) - Popular rock music from the 1990s to the present. (e.g. Avenged Sevenfold, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Hinder, Papa Roach, Cavo)
- '80s Rock (TV-G) - 1980s hair metal bands. (e.g Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Motley Crüe, Poison, Ratt, Whitesnake)
- Classic Alternative (TV-G) - An mix of 1970s-1990s alternative music.
- Classic Metal (TV-G) - An mix of 1970s-1990s heavy metal music.
- Emo X Screamo (TV-G) - An mix of emo, screamo and post-hardcore music.
- Punk (TV-G) - An mix of 1970s-1990s punk rock music.
Season, Holiday & Happening
- All Xmas (TV-G) - A 24/7 channel that plays a mix of classic and contemporary popular Christmas music. (e.g. Nat King Cole, Barbra Streisand, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett)
- Sounds of the Seasons (TV-G) - Special music that plays to celebrate various holidays and seasons. During dates without Holiday-version music, Sounds of the Seasons plays The Pulse, like acid jazz, ambient house, chill-out, chillwave, downtempo, IDM, lounge and trip-hop.
- January 1â€"6: Holiday Themed Music (continued from 2016)
- February 8â€"11: Mardi Gras Themed Music
- February 12â€"21: Love Songs for Valentine's Day
- March 14â€"20: Irish Music for St. Patrick's Day
- May 2â€"8: Cinco De Mayo Themed Music
- May 26â€"30: BBQ Weekend for Memorial Day
- June 27 â€" July 10: Fourth of July Themed Music
- July 11â€"31: Holiday Themed Music for Christmas in July
- September 2â€"10: Labor Day Themed Music
- September 11: Patriot Day (September 11 attacks remembrance) music
- September 12 â€" October 9: Oktoberfest Themed Music
- October 10 â€" November 1: Halloween Themed Music
- November 2 â€" December 31: Holiday Themed Music (continues into 2018)
Urban
- R&B Classics (TV-PG) - A variety of funk, soul, and Motown hits from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. (e.g. Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Prince)
- R&B Soul (TV-PG) - Urban adult music and sultry, slow jams. (e.g. Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, R. Kelly, Toni Braxton)
- Hip-Hop and R&B (TV-14) - Today's hottest hip-hop and R&B music. (e.g. Drake, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Iggy Azalea, Usher)
- Hip-Hop Classics (TV-MA) - Uncensored old school Hip-hop hits from artists that pioneered the genre of hip-hop. (e.g. The Sugarhill Gang, The Fat Boys, Lovebug Starski, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G.).
- Throwback Jamz (TV-14) - Mix of R&B, urban hits, and old-school rap from the 1980s, 1990s & early 2000s (e.g. Brandy, Keith Sweat, Aaliyah, Queen Latifah, TLC).
- Rap 2K (TV-MA) - An uncensored mix of modern uncensored rap and non-stop hip-hop from Old music exclusives From 2000s Rap Crunk. (e.g. Nelly, Rick Ross, T.I., Young Jeezy)
- ALT R&B (TV-PG) - A mix of alternatives to R&B music (e.g The Weeknd, Jhené Aiko, Frank Ocean, Banks, Miguel)
- Underground Hip-Hop (TV-14) - A Mix of underground and alternative hip-hop music. (e.g. Prhyme, Statik Selektah, Joell Ortiz, Common, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, The Roots)
- Funk (TV-PG) - a mix of 1970s-1980s funk music (e.g. James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, War, Chaka Khan, Parlet)
World
- Reggae (TV-G) - Mix of reggae, ska and other Caribbean rhythms of the past and present. (e.g. Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton)
- Brazilian Pop (TV-G) - A mix of classic and contemporary Brazilian popular music. (e.g. Luan Santana, Ivete Sangalo, Cristiano Araújo, Gusttavo Lima, Elis Regina, Gal Costa)
- Filipino (TV-G) - A mix of 90s-today's Filipino popular music (e.g. Christian Bautista, Donna Cruz, Eraserheads, Jose Mari Chan)
- K-Pop (TV-G) South Korean popular music (e.g. Psy, Girls Day, 2NE1, Dynamic Duo, G-Dragon)
Others
- Love Songs (TV-G) - Romantic monster ballads and mid- tempo songs from yesterday and today. (e.g. Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Adele, and Justin Timberlake.)
- Folk (TV-G) - A mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. (e.g. Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Peter, Paul and Mary, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Laura Marling, Ani DiFranco)
Channels with limited availability
These Music Choice channels are only available in some areas and may not have song information. These channels are also available as part of Direct TV's Music Choice package as of February 10, 2018.
- Taste Of Italy (TV-G) - Italian music, ranging from standards such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra to contemporary Italian-language hits.
- Tejano (TV-G)
- Contemporary Instrumentals - Instrumental music, containing a mix of contemporary jazz, new age, piano solos, instrumental cover versions of songs and light classical. Artists include Bob James, The Rippingtons, and David Lanz. From November through early January of each year, contemporary instrumental Christmas music is played during the holiday season.
List of defunct channels
These Music Choice channels over the years have either been taken off the air, renamed, or they were replaced by another channel.
- Adult Top 40 - (absorbed into Pop Hits and Hit List)
- Americana - (replaced by True Country, returned as an online exclusive channel)
- Arena Rock - (replaced by Retro Rock)
- Bluegrass - (removed in 2009, returned as an online exclusive channel)
- Classic Alternative - (removed in 2013, returned as an online exclusive channel)
- Classic Disco - (replaced by MC MixTape)
- Classic R&B - (replaced by R&B Classics)
- Dance and Electronica - (merged)
- Dance/Electronica - (renamed Dance/EDM in 2013)
- Indie Rock - (online exclusive, became its own channel on August 5, 2014)
- International Love Songs - (removed in 2009 but came back on the air as Love Songs in 2013)
- Lite Rock - (renamed Soft Rock)
- MC MixTape - (replaced by MCU in 2012. Songs became part of the Dance/Electronica channel until 2013)
- Old School Rap - (renamed Hip Hop Classics in 2009)
- Opera - (removed in 2009, returned as an online exclusive channel)
- Power Rock
- Pop Rhythmic - (renamed Max in January 2016)
- Progressive
- R&B Hits - (replaced by Throwback Jamz)
- Radio Disney - (replaced by Kidz Only! in 2007)
- Retro Rock - (merged with Classic Alternative in 2013 to form Rock Hits)
- Rock en Espanol - (replaced by Romances)
- Salsa y Merengue - (replaced by Tropicales)
- Showcase - (replaced by Hip-Hop Classics and Classic Dance)
- Showtunes - (replaced by Stage & Screen)
- Singers and Standards - (renamed Singers and Swing)
- Smooth R&B - (replaced by R&B Soul)
- Teen MC - (Renamed Teen Beats in January 2016)
- True Country - (replaced by Country Hits)
Direct TV Music Choice Line-Up
This is the Music Choice listings as featured on the Direct TV television line-up as of February 10, 2018.
- Old School Rap
- Big Band
- Malt Shop Favorites
- '60s Movement
- '70s
- '80s
- '90s
- Singers & Swing
- Classic Country
- Country Hits
- Americana
- Honky Tonk
- Bluegrass
- Folk
- Today's Country
- Sounds of the Season
- Hit List
- Y2K
- Max
- Love Songs
- Contemporary Instrumentals
- Pop Hits
- Movie Scores
- Broadway
- Lounge
- Hip Hop and R&B
- Contemporary Christian
- Gospel
- Gospel Hallelujah
- '80s Rock
- Metal
- Indie
- Adult Alternative
- Classic Rock
- Alternative
- Hard Rock
- Coffee Shop Cuts
- Rock Hits
- Classic Alternative
- New Wave
- Pop & Country
- Rock
- R&B Classics
- R&B Soul
- Funk
- Classic Dance
- Rap
- Mainstream Rap
- Throwback Jamz
- Soft Rock
- Jazz Vocal Hits
- Smooth Jazz
- Jazz
- Easy Listening
- Blues
- Jazz Vocal Standards
- New Age
- Soundscapes
- All Xmas
- Dance/EDM
- Workout
- K-Pop
- Retro Workout
- Reggae
- Symphony
- Classical Masterpieces
- Light Classical
- Teen Beats
- Kids Only
- Toddler Tunes
- Romances
- Pop Latino
- Tropicales
- Musica Urbana
- Mexicana
- Brazilian Pop
- Rock Latino
- Latin Jazz
- Party Favorites
- Taste of Italy
- Italian Favorites
- Irish Favorites
- Nature Sounds
- Filipino
- Vietnamese
References
