SUBtv (student television)
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Peter Miles, CEO |
| Headquarters | Victoria, London, United Kingdom |
| Area served | United Kingdom |
| Key people | Peter Miles, CEO Craig Harris, Sales Director Paul Dingle, CTO Neil Jenkins , Director Subinfo |
| Employees | 16 |
| Website | www.sub.tv |
Subtv is an interactive television channel for students' unions and universities in the United Kingdom. It is broadcast in around 96 British universities on plasma screens. As well as broadcasting standardised programming consisting solely of music videos and advertising, the channel also airs a mix of student-made content, messages and announcements specific to the union, and interactive content.
The Subtv channel began broadcasting in 2003 within student union venues up and down the country. Subtv has a network of 700 42' plasma screens that reach over 1.76million 18-24yr olds, at 96 Universities within the UK.
Since the launch Subtv have continued to grow and now offer cross-platform advertising and promotional campaigns that integrate the traditional broadcast methods via the Subtv screens with a dedicated on the ground production team, specific bluetooth distribution linked to the screens, event management and online activity.
More
In 2009 Subtv network grow further with the introduction of the new and advanced Subtv Info digital signage network[1]. Aimed specifically for University coverage, within high foot fall areas of University buildings, departments, libraries, canteens, gyms and lecture theatres.
Technology
Subtv runs on proprietary software developed since 2004 by Paul Dingle (CTO) and a small team of developers. Originally based on Adobe Director, currently Subtv's product 'Airtime' is a c# .net application. Content is distributed via the BitTorrent (protocol), over ADSL lines. Each piece of content is stored locally on a network of servers installed at each installation. a Touch Screen accessible at each location allows for interaction with the application. Features include creating playlists of content from the catalogue, digital signage mode, DJ visuals and Sports Mode. Sports mode allow for the system to broadcast traditional TV via a TV tuner card. A distinct feature of the system is the two channel format, where 1 channel is used to display entertainment content and the other channel displays digital signage.
Stakeholders in Subtv's estate are encouraged to upload content to the screens installed in their environment, via a small website dedicated to content upload. In 2010 Subtv launched 'TouchScreen' an iPhone application [2], allowing consumers to select tracks and make dedications from their iPhone. Users are encouraged to comment and suggest further development via the development teams Twitter account (@subtvdevteam), and also via the touch screen.
