• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, June 17, 2008

The Outdoor Channel has given its Web presence a fresh coat of paint, so to speak. The network has re-launched its site, notably upgrading its video capabilities. A standout feature is the capability to view video in full-screen fashion. Full episodes of on-air series are available--along with social networking options.

Tom Hornish, network COO, called it "a virtual one-stop shop for everything about the outdoors." Hornish also indicated the site could serve as a marketing vehicle--"the perfect platform to promote our linear network."

The network says site traffic--before the revamp--has accelerated with unique users up 317% in May, compared to last December.

Visitors can opt for a tour of the upgraded site, where sections focused on the multiple genres of programming the network carries are easily accessible and more prominently located, with buttons across the top leading to hunting, fishing and off-road motor sports sections, where videos are available.

The altered Web site comes after the channel underwent a top-to-bottom re-branding last year.

The network has been in the news recently as some of its shows have moved to competitor the Sportsman Channel. The Outdoor Channel is also laboring to add non-endemic advertisers, although the display ads on the site could be classified as niche.