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Karen Brown
Content on the Internet typically follows a familiar pattern: first you see the supermarket approach and then you see the specialty shop.
That is the case with start-up RockWindow Television Net-work Inc., a second-generation Internet streaming network readying for launch. Rather than compete with the well-established likes of MP3.com for multigenre content, Rock-Window is concentrating almost completely on classic rock video - and plans are to eventually make it a subscription service.
Marcus Hause, president of RockWindow, said his passion for classic rock is what drove him when forming the venture - and the frustration he found in trying to find his favorite classic acts "on the rock monopoly in New York City."
With partner ImaginOn Inc. supplying the streaming video technology, RockWindow promises near-VCR quality at dial-up and broadband connection speeds when it debuts later this spring. The technology, packaged as the Rock-Window Media Player, will allow those with slower dial-up connections to download the high-quality video for delayed viewing. Although eventually the focus will shift to higher-speed broadband formats, for now the majority narrowband audience rules, Hause said.
"This idea of broadband happening is not going to happen in the next five years," Hause said.
The start-up has already forged an agreement with ISP Internet Ventures Inc., and will probably debut the network in its territory. Hause said he hopes to eventually have hundreds of such affiliate ISPs lined up in the U.S. and worldwide.
The venture gains some cable muscle through the involvement of MTV founder Nyhl Henson, who serves as a board member.
Although initially offered as an ad-funded, free access service, RockWindow does have plans to become a pay subscription service. In an Internet ruled by the free download, Hause nevertheless believes hardcore classic rock fans will pony up the $2.95 per month proposed.
"The dual revenue strategy is the way RockWindow will be supported," Hause. "At $2.95 per month it is really inexpensive."
But will it compete with services that offer completely free music? Hause says yes, because the content will be acquired through exclusive deals with record labels and affiliate ISPs - and not available elsewhere. Hause hints the final pieces are being set for an announcement with a major record label, though he won't say which.
Eventually, that distribution will make its way to the interactive TV space, he added.
"I want to appeal not only to the Internet listener who chooses to listen on demand, but also the couch interactive TV viewer I can program for," he said.
Video footage will include not only exclusive clips of classic rock acts in concert but also news. Hause envisions a string of rock correspondents covering major events and exclusive interviews.
"The way I like to see it is RockWindow is the CNN of music news and the CSPAN of music programs," he said. "The video is always rolling."
Approximately 30 minutes of new rock footage will be produced every day, beamed via satellite to the affiliate ISPs. There, RockWindow servers will store and distribute the information for up to 60 days, before the footage is transferred to a permanent archive server at the company's Los Angeles facility.
Although Internet music has in the past been at odds with the recording industry producing the music, Hause said Rock-Window wants to work with the major labels.
INTERACTIVE WEATHER AT&T Broadband will feature the Weather Channel as part of the MSO's interactive TV offerings once General Instrument DCT-5000 digital set-tops are deployed. TWC will offer AT&T interactive local market weather forecasts and information. Viewers will be able to search for Doppler radar content and weather information for dozens of cities.
ONLINE LISTINGS Reelplay.com, a new Web content company, is providing TV series and movie listings for cable and broadcast networks as well as broadband content suppliers. Reelplay.com sports 5,000 films and TV movies and series from 1,000 companies. Reelplay.com lists the synopsis and stars of TV series and films, plus who owns the rights to the product for a particular country. About 2,000 titles include trailers and downloadable artwork. Reelplay.com charges a fee for content placement.
STREAMING BOGEYS The PGA Tour has contracted with Microcast to videostream tour events over the Net. The first streamed event will be coverage of the 17th hole for the first two rounds of the PGA Tour Players Championship, March 23-24. The video will be available on usanetwork.com and pgatour.com. Two cameras dedicated to the Net feed will provide 10 hours of daily coverage.
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