Hometime Video Publishing Inc. was founded in 1984 by Dean Johnson to provide do-it-yourselfers with a new source of how-to information. Johnson's plan was to produce a series of videotapes for distribution through hardware stores and home centers. The concept was soon expanded to include the television series, which premiered on public television November 1, 1986. In 1992, Hometime began airing on The Learning Channel and in 2001 went into syndication. Hometime episodes are currently seen both on public television and in syndication across the country.