Recently TechTV in the United States changed names to G4techTV. This was as a result of the Comcast Corporation becoming the new owner of the channel thru G4 Media inc.

G4techTV will be the new name for the Canadian digital channel TechTV Canada. It will combine popular programming from both technology lifestyle channels, G4 and TechTV. As part of the deal, G4 Media inc. assumes one third ownership of TechTV in Canada.

Rogers Media, based in Toronto, will continue to operate the channel as managing partner and G4techTV will continue to be available on digital cable and satellite in Canada.

As of 4am ET Friday, May 28, the two separate feeds will merge into one network. G4techTV Canada will be greatly improved as a result of the merger of these two channels. The new G4techTV promises to showcase the best programming from both channels, offering Canadian viewers access to fresh and never before seen programming along with their favourites from TechTV such as the Screen Savers and XPlay. The new Canadian schedule will premiere some of the best of G4 including Sweat, the first television show to exclusively promote the highly competitive world of sports video games.

“This is an exciting time for our viewers,” comments Malcolm Dunlop, Vice President, Programming and Marketing for the newly merged Canadian network. “We are positive that this merger will provide even greater programming value to our existing customer base and we are confident that the new programmes will entice more digital subscribers to order the channel. In addition, new, exciting original programming is in development and will premiere later this year.”

The G4techTV channel will be dedicated to games, gear and gadgets – it will celebrate every facet of living digital. G4techTV programming will delve deep into the lifestyle of the people who play games and all the components of the popular culture they embrace – technology, music, sports and entertainment.

Here’s a list of new and returning progrmas on G4techTV:

Fresh Gear— A gadget lover’s utopia, Fresh Gear gives viewers the scoop on the best and brightest technology available on the market.

The Screen Savers— A live daily interactive show geared toward keeping the tech enthusiast up to speed on what’s happening in the world of computers from cracking code to the latest software developments.

Robot Wars. – It’s a tournament like no other as robots battle with brute strength, weight and lightning quick reactions to avoid being flipped from the frenzy and straight to the scrap yard. Limited only by the imagination and finances of their creators, Sir Killalot, Matilda and Dead Metal defend Robot Wars throne against the latest automated predators.

Future Fighting Machines – Examines the latest innovations in military hardware. See the wizardry of weapons manufacturers and the ambition of weapon developers worldwide to make soldiers less vulnerable and more lethal. The program also looks at new weapons that strike more accurately and unmanned vehicles run entirely by computers.

X-Play – Host Adam Sessler and an opinionated crew of contributors cover the games, gamers, and gear that fuel today’s video gaming mania. It’s jam-packed with sneak peeks of upcoming titles, unabashed reviews of new releases, and feature stories on the people who create, conquer, and live for videogames. “X-Play” tells it like it is.

“Unscrewed with Martin Sargent,” – G4techTV’s exciting new comedy show that showcases the funnier, sexier, stranger sides of technology overlooked by the mainstream media. This half hour nightly show combines the offbeat wit of host Martin Sargent with an ensemble of colorful contributors, unusual guests and off-the-wall callers.

Invent This! – Ever wondered what you’d do without the telephone? The toaster? The light bulb? Television? In Invent This!, we scour the country to find the most fascinating inventors; from neophytes to seasoned pros. Our cameras will visit them on location; from basement workshops to kitchen tables. We’ll reveal what makes them tick… and where they hope to go from here.

Dave Chalk Connected LIVE – Uncovers the mysteries of technology! It follows the latest trends, explores real life technology, invites guests into the studio to share their expertise in various areas. But most importantly, viewers can call or instant-message the show and have their questions answered LIVE on-air! Be apart of Canada’s first one-hour interactive that takes technology to the next level!

Electric Playground (EP) – Hosted by Victor Lucas, Julie Stoffer and Tommy Tallarico, Electric Playground is a Telly Award-winning show that goes on location and behind the scenes of the videogame industry to provide interviews with game developers, previews of upcoming games, industry news, technology features and celebrity gamer segments, as well as a look at the latest gadgets, toys and comics that gamers are interested in. Throw in a wacky sense of humor and some nifty special effects and you have a show that’s as much fun to watch as games are to play.

Body Hits – Embark on a journey to discover how the body stands up to the test of modern living. From binges to diets, 70-hour work weeks to weekend getaways, this series brings the science of our bodies to life. It surveys the damage our excessive habits and modern lifestyles are doing and tests whether the effects of stress and bad living can be reversed by dieting, detox and vacations. Be prepared for some shocking revelations about our lifestyles – it may just make you look at your own in a completely new light.

Nerd Nation – Forget the pocket protectors and taped up eyeglasses signifying the geeks of yesteryear – the modern nerd puts the “pop” in popular culture. Nerd Nation celebrates how technology enchants and empowers square pegs living in a world of round holes. In this series of documentaries we examine subcultures with strange obsessions and see what happens when technology causes cultures to clash!

Reviews on the Run – provide viewers with a no-holds-barred opinion on the latest games. Each episode of Reviews on the Run features reviews of titles for the current gaming systems, as well as hardware, portable game reviews and tons of surprises

Arena (From G4) – Teams of multiplayer competitors are popping up at LAN parties all over the country – Arena brings the action home. This fragfest transports viewers into the mind of the hardcore gamer and guides them into the field of intense multiplayer battle. Each episode introduces you to two teams fighting for bragging rights in some of today’s most popular action video games. Through game highlights, player interviews and play-by-play commentary Hosts Lee Reherman and Stacee Barcelata and Kevin Pereira venture online and bear witness to this intense multiplayer contest.

Cheat! (From G4) – “Cheat!” will provide you with game exclusives and the ways to beat them. Each episode will demonstrate how to beat a game with strategy walkthroughs and tips on getting around “choke points.” We’ll also give you hidden secrets and tricks, and, as a last resort, cheat codes.

Cinematech (From G4) – Complementing the gameplay of many high-end games is an extraordinary assortment of intro-games, cinematics and trailers. The quality of these mini-movies is so incredible that gamers and non-gamers alike watch them repeatedly, simply for the entertainment value. So dim the lights and grab a bag of popcorn to watch G4′s “Cinematech.”

Filter (From G4) – G4′s exciting video game countdown show will help viewers sort through the endless number of games, characters and new gaming systems. Each episode will count down the best (or worst) of the video game world, with the results determined and voted on by G4 viewers at the G4tv.com website. Each rank on the countdown will also feature game clips, viewer e-mail and “man on the street” interviews.

G4 Specials (From G4) – All of G4′s shows are special, but sometimes a show comes along that is so unique and incredible, it just has to be called a G4 Special. From buyers’ guides to coverage of unique gaming events, each G4 Special has all of your video game-related show needs covered.

G4tv.com (From G4) – This weekly interactive talk show will work together with the G4tv.com website to provide a forum for real conversation, outspoken opinions and an uncensored look into what G4tv.com visitors are playing and what they have to say. Viewers will have an opportunity to influence the content featured on each week’s show by using polls, ratings and other interactive tools located on G4tv.com. Hosted by Scot Rubin, founder of All Games Network, Tina Wood, one of G4′s resident writers, and Laura Foy, G4tv.com’s Associate Producer.

Icons (From G4) – “Icons” is G4′s documentary show that gives viewers the total run-down on the world of video games. The show will provide in-depth coverage on topics ranging from behind the scenes looks at game developers, to profiles of industry giants and notorious figures in gaming, to a retrospective on the history of famous games.

Judgment Day (From G4) – So many games, so little time … to figure out which ones are good! “Judgment Day” hosts Victor Lucas and Tommy Tallarico of “Electric Playground” fame help take the guesswork out of your decisions with their insightful reviews of the latest games and hardware for all platforms.

Players (From G4) – Players invades the personal space of the rich, the famous, the unique and the just plain interesting to talk about the one thing we all have in common – gaming.

Pulse (From G4) – Gamers have an insatiable thirst for news and information about the games they play and the companies and people who make them. That’s where “Pulse” comes in. Hosts Patrick Clark and Ronilyn Reilly deliver the information that gamers want to hear from personalities they want to hear from. “Pulse” will present the most important headlines in a fast-paced, exciting manner that cuts through the marketing fluff.

Sweat (From G4) – “Sweat” is the first television show to exclusively promote the highly competitive world of sports video games. The show will highlight the best in sports games, as well as the athletes, designers and producers behind them. You’ll also get a behind the scenes look on the creative process behind a great sports video game, tips on gameplay, and competitive comparisons between different game formats.