On-Demand Network's Original Series "Skiing with Bode Miller" to be Delivered to Comcast's HD VOD Platform Starting this Month
New York, NY: January 23, 2007 – sportskool, the first and only on-demand television network to offer athletic instruction, announced today that it is partnering with Comcast, the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, to make the network's popular original series, Skiing with Bode Miller available in HD format. Marking sportskool's first foray into HD, the network will deliver one-hour of on-demand content to Comcast's HD VOD platform starting this month.
"As sportskool continues to grow exponentially, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve with our offerings, and we are very excited to work with Comcast to break into the HD platform with our original content that is custom-built for on-demand," said Dan Ronayne, General Manager of sportskool. "sportskool is a distinctive brand that offers viewers informative and entertaining original programming with expert instruction from world class athletes. Our Bode Miller programming is a hit with our viewers, and by providing the series in HD we are able to offer an even more valuable product with an enhanced viewing experience. This is an important and exciting step for the network."
"This initiative with sportskool is consistent with Comcast's goals to continue being a VOD and HD pioneer," stated Page Thompson, Comcast's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services. "Customers have clearly expressed their desire for more HD programming, and as one of the first video providers to offer HD on demand, Comcast is continuing to broaden its library and deliver a growing lineup of the content customers want to watch, whenever they want to watch it."
Launched in 2004 by Rainbow Media, sportskool has seen substantial growth, now at over 22 million in total distribution, thanks in large part to an increasing slate of original sports instruction featuring world renowned athletes including: soccer superstar Mia Hamm, baseball legend Tony Gwynn, basketball Hall of Famer and NBA analyst Bill Walton, Stanley Cup champion Peter Forsberg, and skateboarding pioneer Mike Vallely.
Skiing with Bode Miller provides unparalleled expertise to sportskool viewers through a variety of fun and challenging instruction, strategy and conditioning segments. Miller and U.S. ski team coach Phil McNichol demonstrate in-depth instruction on key elements to improve skills and technique including carving, pole planting, and skiing the steeps. Skiers of all levels can sharpen their skills and get the ultimate edge needed to take their ability to the next level. Exclusive content is also available online at www.sportskool.com, offering a close-up look at Bode Miller – as a person and as an athlete. A one-on-one interview with Miller explores his upbringing, his athleticism, his passion for skiing and how he got to where he is.
About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 24.1 million cable customers, 11 million high-speed Internet customers, and 2.1 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One and four regional Comcast SportsNets. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.
About sportskool
Launched by Rainbow Media in 2004, sportskool is the first television network dedicated to delivering in-depth sports expert instruction and coaching for a wide range of sports and athletic activities. sportskool helps athletes of all ages take their game to the next level by offering guidance and insider tips from the world's best athletes. The network – featuring exclusive and original programming custom-built for On Demand television – boasts some of the most recognizable names in sports, including Mia Hamm, Bode Miller, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Mike Vallely (Mike V.), tennis coach Brad Gilbert and renowned training and performance expert, Mark Verstegen. sportskool is currently available to over 22 million digital cable subscribers nationwide. For more information, visit www.sportskool.com.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and three FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.