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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 24, 2007

Net TV programming growing from Hawai'i

Advertiser Staff

A new Hawai'i-based company that makes local television programming available globally via the Internet has signed up about 100 customers in cities ranging from Washington, D.C. to Tokyo.

Launched in January, Hawaii IPTV provides local TV programs to specially-equipped subscribers that have high-speed Internet connections. The service is targeted at local residents who have moved away from Hawai'i, including high school seniors who are headed off to the Mainland for college, said company founder Chris Dey.

"I think we're pretty well on track," he said. "We figured we'd have 1,000 customers by the end of our first year in business."

Hawaii IPTV programming lineup includes more than 20 weekly local shows, more than 50 special feature programs and documentaries, multiple nightly news broadcasts, concerts, sports, classic Hawai'i programming and education. In total, more than 600 hours of programming are available with the click of a remote, according to Hawaii IPTV.

The company's content providers include KHNL, K5, KGMB and about 25 local producers, Dey said.

The service costs $15 a month with a one-year service agreement. Users must purchase a $125 set-top box and pay a one-time $25 set-up fee. Subscribers also must have a high-speed Internet connection. The service can be ordered online at www.TVfromHawaii.com.

Hawaii IPTV isn't the only service eyeing Hawai'i ex-pats.

Time Warner Telecom and local filmmaker Edgy Lee plan to launch an Internet-based video service this fall aimed at showcasing Native Hawaiian culture to a global audience.

Pacific Network plans to provide nine channels of news, original programming, editorials, gallery art, music, radio programs, audience videos and commentary.

The Pacific Network will generate revenue from underwriters and sponsors, advertising, pay-per-view and direct sales.