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TwitterSci Fi Channel changes name to Syfy
Sci Fi Channel is giving itself a makeover.
The NBC Universal-owned cable network will change its name to Syfy in the summer. And yes, despite the goofy spelling, it will sound phonetically the same.
The reasons for the name change are twofold. Firstly, it allows the network to demonstrate that it should not be so narrowly defined. Already the Sci Fi channel has been known to program content that isn't strictly science fiction proper -- such as fantasy, paranormal, mystery, action and adventure. The new Syfy will continue with this diverse programming.
Secondly, the name Syfy -- unlike the generic entertainment genre "sci fi" -- will allow the network to create a uniquely ownable trademark. So if you read Syfy, you know exactly where it's coming from.
Packaged with the new name is a new logo that introduces the network's new brand message and tagline: "Imagine Greater." The old Sci Fi logo pictured a ringed planet, which fit better with the traditional science fiction perception.
"While continuing to embrace our legacy and our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and reflects our broader range of programming," says Sci Fi president Dave Howe. "Syfy allows us to build on our 16 year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the Imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand."
The Syfy name will be extended to the channel's online, digital, international and other business ventures
Syfy will launch its new brand on July 7th in conjunction with its new drama "Warehouse 13" and the return of "Eureka."
Weigh in on the new Syfy brand:
Do you think this was a good move? Was the Sci Fi Channel due for a makeover regarding its name and branding?
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Zap2it Twitter Talk 
Imagine the millions that NBC wasted on this stupidity? Maybe it's just me. When I see Sci Fi I think Science fiction, fantasy and horror. SYFY? that's a head scratcher. I think that NBC should change it's moniker to a shot of a horses ***.
I'm just sayin' is all.
This is a bad idea, but the marketing people won't believe it until they see it.
Somehow I'm not surprised at such a moronic name change in an effort to boost an already failing cable channel. After all, it's owned by NBC, which, when it comes to coming up with ideas, stands for, "Nothing Brilliant Came."
Wonder how many will start calling it Siffy? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
There was nothing wrong with the old logo and spelling. Sci-Fi was a perfect name for the channel. Complete idiots!!
The creator of this new stupid spelling and logo needs to be fired immediately. SyFy....how stupifying. Imagine Greater?..I'm imagining people thinking this is just another stupid shopping channel.
To me syfy sounds a bit like a short version of syphilis.. you know, 'Hey, did you catch syfy last week?'
And people get paid for this.
Is there no end to the stupid things NBC will do? I am already refusing to watch any of their new shows because (like Fox) they tend to cancel the good sci-fi ones (Journeyman, Surface). I won't watch late night TV after Leno leaves and no, I won't watch Leno in prime time. Now this? If they want to blow up the network, they could do it without spending so much money.
What's next? Renaming USA "yo, ese!"? Idiots.
I think an April Fools day joke got out early.
This has to be joke?????
Moronic! Universal-NBC doesn't have a clue to what Sci-Fi's audience is and it doesn't care. With BSG finishing up (a show which NBC tried to cancel) what will be their next be ground breaking series - undoubtly another cheap reality show.
That is one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever heard. But what do you expect from a network that still shows"Celebrity Apprentice" yet cancels much better shows.