SCI FI HAS ITS FINGER ON THE 'PULSE'
Channel Unveils New Broadband Video Channel 'SCI FI Pulse' Loaded with Unique Digital Entertainment Content
NEW YORK -- April 26, 2006 -- SCI FI, the television network dedicated to fueling the imagination, will unveil its new content-rich online broadband channel, 'SCI FI Pulse,' on Monday, May 8. The announcement was made today by Bonnie Hammer, President, USA Network and SCI FI Channel and Dave Howe, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SCI FI Channel.
Dedicated to original programs and tie-ins to SCI FI's existing shows, 'SCI FI Pulse' will initially feature complete episodes of select SCI FI original series, full-length uncut SCI FI original movies, behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes and more. Throughout the summer 'SCI FI Pulse' will roll out its own exclusive original content, including a weekly news show, the return of the popular 'Exposure' online film festival, webisode spin-offs of SCI FI's hit series, user-generated programming and much more.
"SCI FI has always been dominant in the digital arena because forward-thinking is part of its DNA," said Ms. Hammer. "Genre fans are early adopters who embraced our award-winning website and original web content from day one, and we're confident that we'll expand that huge audience with our fantastic broadband programming."
"'SCI FI Pulse' delivers on our commitment to exploit new digital opportunities for our audience to enjoy and get involved in our programming," added Mr. Howe. "Our broadband Channel is primed to be the category killer destination for genre content on the Web and will further strengthen our relationship with our viewers, building an even bigger online community."
Throughout the year, 'SCI FI Pulse' will test the boundaries of online programming with a full slate of offerings:
TV 360 & WEBISODES
As part of NBC Universal's overall commitment to "TV 360" content, every SCI FI Channel show in development will have a unique broadband component, such as the recent live online psychic readings by Char Margolis, the popular videoblogs of 'Battlestar Galactica' Executive Producer David Eick, and the online voting for 'Who Wants to Be A Superhero?' ? where users will be able view online audition videos and choose one of the contestants for SCI FI's newest reality series. Additionally, 'SCI FI Pulse' is already working with the creative talents behind some of SCI FI's top original series to produce dramatic webisode spin-offs. Development is currently underway on original webisodes of 'Battlestar Galactica,' the soon-to-debut 'Eureka' and the upcoming limited series event 'Motel Man' (working title).
'EXPOSURE' FILM FESTIVAL
'Exposure,' SCI FI's unique online short film festival, offers filmmakers an unprecedented opportunity ? impress online voters and have their short film voted into a two-hour special that will air on SCI FI, and possibly other NBC Universal channels. Viewers will then vote for the best film from the special. The top-voted filmmakers will win the opportunity to be involved in creating one of SCI FI's wildly popular Saturday night action movies.
ONLINE PILOTS
Rewriting the rules of TV development, SCI FI puts greenlight power in the hands of viewers. Several potential series pilots will be posted online for viewer feedback. The fate of these "online pilots" will be determined in large part by their reception on 'SCI FI Pulse.' Viewers may have a hand in discovering SCI FI's next 'SCI FI Friday' hit.
As the broadband channel continues to develop, SCI FI also continues to bolster the narrowband SCIFI.COM site with information-rich areas that keep the site at the forefront of sci-fi entertainment on the Web. Recent successful additions to the home page have included:
'SCIFIPEDIA'
'Scifipedia' (http://scifipedia.scifi.com) is SCIFI.COM's entry into the world of wikipedias ? online encyclopedias developed and maintained by the online community. Sure to become the ultimate database for all things sci-fi, 'Scifipedia' launched on April 22, 2006 with 1000 starter entries that will serve as the base upon which science fiction fans and experts can log on and add to or edit. Focused solely on sci-fi facts, definitions and lingo, 'Scifipedia' is sure to become the Internet's top destination for information about the genre. How could it not be since it's guided and updated by those who know and love sci-fi best ? the fans.
TECH BLOG
SCIFI.COM's Tech Blog (http://blog.scifi.com/tech/) boasts up-to-the-minute daily news about the world of technology and real-world, practical reviews of the latest gadgets and gear. Easy to navigate and consumer-friendly, the blog delivers what a consumer needs to know about all the hot new products, ideas and inventions that make life easier. Sections include cell phones and PDAs, digital cameras, downloads, games, home entertainment, personal computers and more. The site receives info from leading editorial sources and encourages users to send in tips and reviews of new products with prize-winning potential.
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
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