Disney’s “Toon Disney” channel will be getting an overhaul as “Disney Xtreme Digital” in Feb. 2009. The reason for the relaunched according to Daily Variety is to better compete with Cartoon Network. I guess the name “Toon Disney” isn’t as cool as “DXD” — at least in the minds of the corporate executives who have made this decision.

Cartoon Network has been and continues to be a leading sight for cartoons on cable television, largely because they are producing engaging, innovative original programming. Franchises like “Ben 10″, “Pokemon”, and “Star Wars” are all currently on Cartoon Network – and a new Batman cartoon “Brave and Bold” will be debuting in 2009 as well.

Disney Xtreme Digital will be getting a new name, but will continue to run older programming. “Batman” The Animated Series” the early 90s Batman cartoon is one of the shows mentioned for the network. While its great that they’ll be running one of the greatest animated series of all time on their network, I think it’s going to be difficult for Disney to compete with Cartoon Network without investing in original programming in the way that CN has.