Spike Launches Broadband Player at Spiketv.com on August 30

Original Programming and Series to Premiere Exclusively on Broadband Player Spiketv.com Will Feature Integrated Player That Will be Compatible on Both Mac and PC

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 -- Holding true to its promise to "Get More Action," SPIKE is giving guys all the action they can handle with the launch of their new broadband player on spiketv.com.

This latest launch continues SPIKE's multiplatform digital strategy that has seen the rebirth of its Web site as an all Flash, video-centric experience, the first live Web-cast and innovative "cam-in" feature where online users could interact with SPIKE talent live during events and the introduction of irresistible women onto the site with the creation of the "Babe-a-lizer."

With the broadband player, SPIKE will be unveiling a next-generation Web video experience that includes easily browse-able navigation, Flash 8 high quality encoding as well as the network's first original digital programs. The player will also be integrated into the site and will be compatible with both Mac and PC.

"We're creating a cross-platform, cross-browser, consistently rich experience so guys that come to the site can stuff their faces with as much video as they can handle and share it with friends via email or instant messenger," said Steve Farrell, vice president, digital media, SPIKE. "We want the site to be not just an extension of what's on air, but a digital expression of what SPIKE is about -- action."

"SPIKE has become the first true multiplatform guy brand -- from on air, live events, online, mobile, iTunes to download to own. We are giving guys the action they want, where they want it and as much as they can handle," says Kevin Kay, executive vice president and general manager, SPIKE.

The original digital programs launching on the spiketv.com broadband player include:

"Rattlesnake Raceway:" A show about a group of everyday men who become local heroes on a dirt racetrack 100 miles outside of Reno, Nevada. For the love or racing and for the thrill of the chase, they risk everything to bring home the checkered flag.

"Enduro at Erzberg:" Imagine taking America's most popular motocross riders and dropping them into Europe's largest copper mine in Central Austria. Chaos, fear, adrenaline and the will to survive will drive viewers through 35 kilometers of rugged and hazardous trial-based motorcycling. Travis Pastrana, Jeremy McGrath, Ronnie Renner, Andy Bell and Gregg Godfrey battle the odds and each other in the ultimate test of motorcycle fitness.

"Geek-Ray-Vision:" Finally, a show for that other guy. "Geek-Ray-Vision" promises to bring viewers a weekly inside scoop on the coolest films, music, gadgets, comic books and video games from the hottest geek locations.

Upcoming originals digital include:

"SPIKE's Hottest Bartenders: NYC" (working title): Follow spiketv.com as they go searching for the wildest bars, with the sickest drinks. Cocktails made by the eye candy who just might make us drink until we tip over and over tip the whole time.

"Gathering of the Pack:" This Web series is a graphical portrayal of Full Contact Stick fighting from the Dog Brother's "System of many Styles" that features a combination of Filipino Martial Arts and other fighting skills. The Dog Brother's credo is "Higher consciousness through harder contact."

"Buddy's Garage:" Building off the hard pounding demolition action of spiketv.com's "Rattlesnake Raceway," "Buddy's Garage" is the perfect continuation for the Web site's target demographic. The accessibility and detail of such a show is laid out right before viewers eyes. Fans will be treated to the hard-hitting annihilation of Demo action, when metal scrapes metal and the behind the scenes action back at the ranch house garage as Buddy and his team gut and build their distinctive brand of demolition cars. Most importantly, we have Buddy himself, a guy like you and me, who has the balls to set himself apart from the rest and that glint of mischievous madness in his eyes.

"Burning at the Thunderdome:" The Death Guild, a motley crew of Silicon Valley misfits, build, run and maintain the Thunderdome at the Annual Burning Man Festival in Nevada. Members will enter the outdoor arena, attached to bungee cords, with heavy padded pipes and battle it out until only one is left standing -- "Two men enter -- one man leaves."

SPIKE will continue to push the envelope digitally with things like its live cam-in event from the "Scream Awards" red carpet and the launch of its user generated content hub in conjunction with its fall late night "Wild World of Spike."

SPIKE TV is available in more than 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of VIACOM (NYSE: VIA, VIAB), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

SOURCE SPIKE TV
http://www.spiketv.com