BBC Four idents

BBC Knowledge was launched on 1 June 1999 with the intent of creating a multimedia learning channel.

[1] The idea was that computers, interactive TV via the Red Button and television could come together to make a new, factual, learning channel for children and adults alike.

[1] The launch identity consisted of cartoon characters climbing 'ladders of learning' between clouds against an orange background.

[1][2] The idents all featured characters, drawn by Michael Sheehy,[1] shown with items such as a magnifying glass, telescope or rolls of paper.

[1][2] The channel launched with a Digital on-screen graphic (DOG), in line with the BBC practice at the time.

[1][3] Another style of presentation utilised was that of viewer videos, shown either as part of the shrinking credits, or between programmes.

A single ident was utilised instead featuring a circle made out of different materials which would move forward and off the screen at the viewer.

[5] As a result, no idents were ever the same, however variations were produced featuring different visualisations, such as semicircles, vibrating lines or shafts extending from the bottom surface.

These new idents, designed by Red Bee Media, featured an image made up of four parts but undistinguishable until something interacts within the scene.

[18] The DOG for the channel remained the same in the 4:3 screen size safe zone;[5] this was only changed in 2011 when it was switched to widescreen 16:9.