Discovery Communications has launched its first broadband TV channels: Discovery Channel Beyond and Travel Channel Beyond. The company, which provided a sneak preview of the new ad-supported channels to advertisers and media buyers at its upfront sales presentation in New York earlier this month, says that in the coming months it also plans to launch broadband channels in association with its TLC, Animal Planet and Discovery Health channels.
The new broadband channels, which are powered by broadband video distribution company, Brightcove, feature original and exclusive short-form programs and user-generated documentaries. Content available on the channels at launch includes: video extensions of popular shows such as Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" and "Deadliest Catch," and Travel Channel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" and "5 Takes"; behind-the-scenes and making-of footage, bloopers, outtakes and talent vlogs; and a user-generated content showcase, dubbed "MyDocs," which allows viewers to upload short documentary films, and also to submit and vote on casting applications for "5 Takes."
In the coming months, Discovery says it will add various new features, including a user-generated content competition, in which viewers will submit a pilot show, and the winner will get to produce a TV series for the two new broadband TV channels; and a daily Webcast, entitled Discovery News, which will feature stories on science, the environment, extreme weather and more.
The new broadband channels, which are powered by broadband video distribution company, Brightcove, feature original and exclusive short-form programs and user-generated documentaries. Content available on the channels at launch includes: video extensions of popular shows such as Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" and "Deadliest Catch," and Travel Channel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" and "5 Takes"; behind-the-scenes and making-of footage, bloopers, outtakes and talent vlogs; and a user-generated content showcase, dubbed "MyDocs," which allows viewers to upload short documentary films, and also to submit and vote on casting applications for "5 Takes."
In the coming months, Discovery says it will add various new features, including a user-generated content competition, in which viewers will submit a pilot show, and the winner will get to produce a TV series for the two new broadband TV channels; and a daily Webcast, entitled Discovery News, which will feature stories on science, the environment, extreme weather and more.