Optical Entertainment Network (OEN), the leading provider of IPTV and broadband services built to optimize fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, announced today the introduction of OEN Studios, the all high-definition (HD) TV production company for OEN's FISION IPTV service and a leader in the development of original HDTV programming for syndication. Because of the connection with OEN's FISION service, OEN Studios will have unlimited bandwidth on which to air its programs.
"There are few all HD networks in existence today," said Glen W. Fulce, executive vice president of OEN Studios. "Viewer preferences for HD along with the recent Congressional mandate for all TV networks to switch to digital programming are creating an enormous and, to date, largely unmet demand for original HD content. We have assembled the top notch talent and the funding required to be a leader in original HD content development."
OEN Studios currently has 15 new HDTV series in production, six of which it plans to pilot and make ready for syndication at the MIPTV International Audiovisual and Digital Content Market Conference in Cannes, France in April. The production company is developing HD commercials, documentaries, sitcoms, dramatic series and feature films. OEN Studios will also purchase HD content from independent producers. OEN Studios is building new networks that will be offered on OEN's FISION FTTH service, starting in the first quarter of 2007.
"Because we develop our own original programs and incorporate independent programs for the FISION service, we know they will be aired," Fulce said. "This will allow us to identify 'hits' early and to incubate our 'not-yet-hits.' As OEN's subscriber base grows, our viewers and advertising revenues will grow right along with that."
OEN Studios is also creating nonlinear channels. Unlike traditional appointment-based channels that offer programming only at specific times, nonlinear channels give viewers the opportunity to choose the best time for them to view a program. "New episodes of our programs will debut at a specific time," Fulce added. "After that, they will be available on-demand."
OEN Studios is building an all HD, all digital work flow in its studios that will be tapeless. The programming will stay digital throughout the entire process, from shooting in the field to editing and delivery into the online servers that provide programming directly to the viewers. This means subscribers will receive in their homes a quality of signal and video content that is as pristine, uncompressed and beautiful as when it was shot.
OEN Studios also will make their programming available through new alternative mobile distribution methods such as, mobile video players and cell phones In addition, the production company plans to utilize Blu-ray technology to distribute its HD content on HD-DVDs.
Post your comments below
