.tv Unveils Personal Webcasting Solution

After toiling as an Internet domain registrant for companies looking to get the .tv extension, the .tv Corporation (www.tv) announced it would start offering a personal webcasting solution at "my.tv." The service is powered by POPcast Communications ( www.popcast.com), one of the early do-it-yourself streaming providers.

The my.tv package includes a .tv address, an Intel webcam, a two-page Web site and video software and services by POPcast Communications. The service also includes a chat function using an instant messaging feature.

"The .tv Corporation is continuously searching for applications and new products that enable our customers to build rich media websites," said Lou Kerner, chief executive officer of The .tv Corporation. "The synergies between a .tv Web address and this powerful new video broadcasting software make my.tv a home-run."

The service lists for $99 and will launch in June 2001.

.tv has reported big demand among broadcasters for its ".tv" domain extension. Companies like Ziff-Davis (www.zcast.tv) , The Academy of Television Arts & Science (www.emmys.tv), Los Angeles' NBC affiliate (www.nbc4.tv) and others have started adopting the .tv name.

TV is the top-level domain assigned to the country of Tuvalu, a small Pacific Island nation, which will get a minimum of $4 million per year over the next 10 years from the .tv Corporation.