Logos[]
1st logo (1993-2002)[]
On a background of black, blue and yellow-orange colors (depending on the show), we see an abstract sun and moon combination with a face (yellow with a purple eye and red-orange rays on the left side, and purple with a yellow eye on the right side). Below the symbol is, in most cases, the following text:
A MERIDIAN PRESENTATION/PROGRAMME
FOR ITV ("ITV" is represented by its then-current logo (introduced in 1989))Variants[]
- In some cases, the text might say "A Meridian presentation" or "MERIDIAN PROGRAMME" instead.
- On some shows including episodes of Zzzap (which was aimed at the hearing-impaired), the logo is displayed either under or to the left side of United Productions' logo (a conjoined, lowercase "U" and "N"), while on other Zzzap episodes, the logo of The Media Merchants (the first word is orientated vertically) and a blue explosion with the yellow word "PRODUCTION" in it, similar to the words that appeared on screen in that show, are above.
2nd logo (1993-1996)[]
An explosion of light occurs and we see blue and yellow-orange colors radiating from the screen. Two rows of crystalline sun rays revolve into place, forming the sun/moon logo from before. The background is then divided into yellow on the left and blue on the right. "MERIDIAN", in purple, appears at the bottom. Occasionally, "STEREO" (for programmes with stereo sound), and "888" (for programmes with subtitles) would be indicated in the top-right corner.
Variant[]
During the night hours, the finished product would be shown first, then the main animation was played in reverse, and then played forwards again.
3rd logo (1996-1998)[]
On a moving pink and purple striped background, we see a purple bubble with yellow dust particles following suit. Both objects form the usual Meridian sun/moon logo with the "MERIDIAN" text below in white. "888" would also occasionally appear for shows with subtitles.
4th logo (1998-1999)[]
On a bright yellow/orange background, we see the Meridian sun/moon logo rotating into place from the left side of the screen. The words "MERIDIAN" with the then-new ITV logo (introduced in 1998) fade in at the bottom right. "Subtitles" would also occasionally appear in the top-right (for shows with subtitles).
5th logo (2001-2004)[]
We see the common purple Granada-style background (also used for LWT and Yorkshire), filled with shadowy copies of Meridian symbol, with the actual Meridian logo in the square.
Music/Sounds[]
1st logo[]
The end theme of the show.
Music/Sounds Variant[]
- On Art Attack, the "springing" sound which was always heard at the end of the show is used.
- The Zzzap variant also has the electrical buzzing sound that was heard at the end of every episode's scene, although its intended viewers could not hear it.
2nd logo[]
An uplifting fanfare with a four-note horn sounder, which faded out once the logo had fully formed up and the "STEREO/888" text appeared.
Music/Sounds Variant[]
A more soothing rendition of the fanfare, which had a piano in place of the horn, was sometimes used. Other times it used a reggae version of the theme (mainly at weekends) - and all three renditions were composed by David Dundas, who previously composed the "ITV Generic" theme.
3rd logo[]
A remix of the Meridian fanfare from before with electronic beeping. A softer rendition of the theme was used for certain, more "serious" programs (such as the Meridian News), and a different version was used at night-time.
4th logo[]
Same as the third logo.
5th logo[]
None.
Scare Factor[]
1st logo[]
None.
2nd logo[]
Minimal. The lights appearing might startle some. Low for the night time variant, as the logo playing in reverse will startle a few, especially if you expected the original variant.
3rd logo[]
None to low. This logo is very peaceful, but some people could get caught off guard by the abruptness.
4th logo[]
Minimal. It may be less abrupt than before, but some people may still get caught off guard by the logo rotating into place and the music.
5th logo[]
None.