Net2TV Launches Portico Streaming TV Service

New cloud-based TV service includes content from CBS Interactive's CHOW.com, Discovery's Revision3, and others

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/7/2012 5:22:33 PM

Net2TV Corporation has launched an advertiser-supported, cloud-based television programming service, Portico, that includes programming from CBS Interactive's food site CHOW.com, Popular Science and WSJ Live from The Wall Street Journal. Initial distribution is on Philips smart TVs in the U.S.

The Redwood City, Calif., service, which is being run by veterans from MTV/Nickelodeon, Black Arrow, NBC, TiVo and Netflix, uses cloud technology from ActiveVideo Networks to deliver full-length shows. The free ad-supported programs are grouped by areas of interest such as food, science and technology, and entertainment.

"Good television -- the television viewers love -- is an art, not an algorithm," said Net2TV CEO Thomas Morgan in a statement. "We're building television programming that lets viewers enjoy smart TV just like they do traditional television."

Net2TV is also working with online TV programmers like Discovery's Revision3, CBS Interactive's CHOW.com, and others to develop full program-length television shows.

"Watching the living room TV, viewers have different expectations than when using a tablet or laptop," explained Jim Monroe, cofounder and senior VP of programming for Net2TV in a statement. "We create an experience for viewers who want to sit back, relax and watch. Our program partners have good-quality, short-form pieces. We work with them to curate these pieces and package them into program-length shows."