For more information: contact BWR Public Relations, Henry Eshelman/Hillary Carver, (310) 550-7776, Heshelman@bwr-la.com, hcarver@bwr-la.com, or ICTV, Michael Collette, (408) 364-9200, or Bob Gold & Associates, Jason Marshall, (310) 320-2010.
Ahead Warp Speed! Hitplay Media Delivers Its Targeted Video Network Via ICTV's Broadband Platform
As part of its multi-platform delivery strategy, Hitplay Media today announced a new development effort with ICTV, the leader in cost-effective delivery of broadband Internet services to cable-connected TVs. ICTV's broadband platform will now support Hitplay's large-scale video-clip library of entertainment, music, fashion and extreme sports for delivery to digital cable set-top boxes. Principals of Hitplay and ICTV made the announcement at the Western Cable Show in Los Angeles. ""ICTV's digital system takes full advantage of both streaming video and the kinds of cutting-edge interactive technologies that Hitplay is developing,"" said Hitplay Founder and President Todd Harris. ""With ICTV's digital platform, our extensive video-clip library, rich on-demand programming, and targeted video advertising will reach new audiences beyond the PC. It's all about universal access to our Targeted Video Network."" ""We are very excited to be working with emerging broadband content companies like Hitplay Media, which is developing great entertainment content for the ICTV platform,"" said ICTV President Wes Hoffman. ""Our system offers content providers a new development and delivery environment for convergent broadband applications. We look forward to supporting Hitplay's launch in early 2000. It's a great new content alternative for MSOs that implement the ICTV system."" Hitplay.com will feature a searchable database of popular video clips from movie trailers to snowboarding highlights. The site will serve as a showcase video portal for Hitplay's video channels to be distributed to both affiliate Web sites and Internet appliances such as PDAs, Internet-ready mobile phones and, of course, computers. About Hitplay Media Hitplay Media is a next-generation entertainment video delivery network, which takes advantage of the growth in broadband access and Internet-enabled devices. Hitplay was formed in mid-1999 by Todd Harris, a former broadband strategist for NBC and general manager of NBC's VideoSeeker.com Web site. Hitplay works with InterVU (Nasdaq:ITVU), a San Diego-based company specializing in Internet video hosting and delivery over a distributed network. Hitplay is designing its architecture to allow InterVU customers to participate in Hitplay's patent-pending ad-supported distribution service called the Targeted Video Network. Through its exclusive video libraries and media partnerships, Hitplay will distribute popular entertainment video channels (entertainment, music, fashion and extreme sports), with access to hundreds of short-form video clips. Hitplay will launch Hitplay.com in early 2000. About ICTV With headquarters in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, ICTV provides cable operators with the best platform for delivering Internet services and content to their subscribers. ICTV is the only platform capable of providing true broadband Internet access to cable-connected television sets. ICTV can be found on the World Wide Web at www.ictv.com.