Wi-FiTV, the online TV and movie service launched way back in 1995, is revamping itself into a leader in streaming online programming with the introduction of the first ever personal Internet-based TV stations for any individual.

In addition to personal TV stations, the company is also launching an upgraded business TV station platform to enhance its offerings for businesses that want to broadcast their message and integrate that message into a variety of mediums such as press releases and linked online shopping carts, among other things, according to TMCnet. 

The core component of Wi-FiTV is its 400+ live TV stations that incorporate live chat beneath each station to allow users to discuss the programming in real-time with anyone else watching the same show.  Among the many improvements being made to the platform, the most notable is the upcoming mobile-components that’ll allow all its programming to be viewable via any mobile device including the iPod and iPhone.

With the new personal TV stations being launched, any individual will be able to publish their own content via their very own 24/7 station.  In addition, Wi-FiTV is introducing separate channels for musical groups, charitable organizations, and churches with the same functionality.  Sounds to me like they’re looking for expanded monetization opportunities after being around for so long. 

The individual user accounts will feature advanced encoding/uploading functions and interfaces for user uploads, activation, deactivation and ordering of continuously streaming programming and on-demand videos, making it more automated and simpler to control user content on the TV station pages.  Also, users will be able to "go live" including, for the first time on the Internet, live video and audio of friends who are invited to join live TV sessions through their webcams and computers. 

With its revamped version, Wi-FiTV is hoping to enact a social aspect to its service by incorporating things like chat, RSS feeds, social network linking, and more into its already popular programming.  With the quick rise in popularity surrounding almost anything related to social networking these days, it’s smart for Wi-FiTV to be the first in the game to accomplish it.  Now it’s just a matter of successful execution.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 7:35 am under Internet.  Print This Post

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