MTV’s M2 channel redesigned by Digit

MTV’s digital TV and Web channel M2 is relaunching next month as MTV2. The new look sees a revamped website and new on-screen visuals designed by interactive design specialist Digit.

The channel originally went on air last July, but has been renamed to create more distinction between itself and sister channel MTV.

“We wanted to create a point of difference from the main channel and the website is now more reflective of the channel than ever,” says an MTV spokeswoman.

Digit senior designer Mickey Stretton says the new site features extensive 3D animation and is Flash generator-based. “Viewers create most of the programming with hour-long schedules, using MTV’s database of videos. Therefore we have accentuated the involvement with the channel and built on the community aspect of it, enabling people with similar music tastes to communicate more easily,” he says.

The London consultancy is also designing new on-screen idents for the channel, which are being developed in tandem with the MTV2 website. “There’s quite a lot of synergy between the website and the television. We are creating channel idents, ten different viewers’ clocks and several other identities for each of the guest presenters,” adds Stretton.