It originally launched in 2005 as a spin-off from PrideVision, leaving the channel (now known as OutTV) to focus on lifestyle and entertainment programming serving the LGBT community.

However, PrideVision had been unattractive to providers because of the gay pornographic programming it aired during east coast late-night hours, which would be broadcast as early as 10:00 p.m. in the Pacific Time Zone.

[1] Providers chose to package PrideVision as a standalone, premium adult channel rather than alongside other mainstream specialty channels—which hampered the network's reach.

This was different than the usual preview periods that were offered in the clear, and Shaw strung together the requirements as a response to the "overwhelming expressions of concern from our customers" over the adult content carried by the service.

[1] In September 2004, the ownership group filed an application with the CRTC for a new premium specialty service that would be "devoted to adult entertainment for the gay genre audience.