Direct 8 and Direct Star are two French national TV channels, launched in 2005 as apart of the new digital network. Direct 8 was originally devoted to live programming, but eventually expanded into a broader general channel, while Direct Star is a youth channel with plenty of music videos. Recently, both channels were purchased by Canal+, who are relaunching them on October 7 under the names D8 and D17. D8 will be completely overhauled with the programme budget more than doubled and most of the current programmes being cancelled.
A simple flat version of D8's logo, a D with an eight inside it, surfaced in early September. As the relaunch date was set, more materials have been made public, including a logo with 3D treatment, a press dossier and a launch spot. The result is similar the "Start Here" package produced for ABC in the United States by Troika Design Group back in 2007.
Very similar.
Other than the fact the the D8 logo isn't designed by Paul Rand, many of the core elements from ABC's 2007 graphics package have been transitioned to D8. From the 3D treatment of the logo with its reflections and gradients to the virtual environment it inhabits. Even the relaunch promo looks a lot like US network promos of recent years.
Update September 28: Incidentally, Troika was also the agency that designed the new D8 package.
Two more idents can be viewed here. (Thanks to Arthur for pointing that out).
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