Here are a few highlights from press conferences here in Las Vegas:
From Monday, May 7th:
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Gallery IP Telephony, a software development and integration house, presented their platform for a seamless transition from existing PSTN networks to future IMS network technology. Ilan Friedman, director of marketing and sales, stressed the importance of developing a solution for all segments of the service providers market. Gallery IPT has provided what they described as a reliable and cost-effective class-5 alternative softswitch products suite that includes SS7 Gateway and an Advanced Features platform enabling built-in capacity and scalability.
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
President and Founder of The Fright Channel, Rob Claridge, introduced the first independent horror-themed cable network set to launch in select markets nationwide on Friday, July 13. The Fright Channel intends to provide an 18-39 year-old demographic with classic genre films and exclusively licensed features. A slate of original programs are in development in addition to future broadband online broadcasts on www.thefrightchannel.tv, the recently launched Web site. The Web site hosts a network supporting grassroots affiliates called “The Fright Force,” and a platform for user- generated content. Claridge also announced The Fright Channel’s sister broadcasting entity, Fright, Jr., a channel aimed at the younger, 3-12 year-old demographic. A limited Fright, Jr., DVD series is being created in collaboration with educators and child development specialists.
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
The Media Group (TMG), a leader in the development and delivery of enhanced, transactional media, presented their core focus on “Integrated Transactional Media.” “Integrated Transactional Media” describes how TMG is taking advantage of new technologies and existing media opportunities to deliver an interactive television experience. The Media Group presented their business model that merges traditional programming with direct response. The results of which can be seen through the launch of networks geared toward very specific demographic and enthusiast groups; including Men’s Outdoors & Recreation (MOR), Healthy Living Channel and Beauty & Fashion among others.
From Tuesday, May 8th:
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Food Network announced today it will enter into its first, exclusive multi-year charitable partnership with Share Our Strength®, the nation’s leading organization working to end childhood hunger in America. The network and organization will identify ways to end hunger in America, which 12 million children are at risk of. The announcement today surrounded the first endeavor in the partnership, to support Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale®, kicking off May 19. The Great American Bake Sale is a national campaign that mobilizes people to help end childhood hunger in America by holding bake sales in their communities.