Video-on-demand leisure learning magazines, USA
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A number of services are starting to emerge
particularly in the United States that enable people to have access to
various leisure activity videos on demand that do have some sort of
learning component to them.
One example of a New York distributor called
Mag Rack that has produced video magazine programmes just like paper
magazines each
built around a hobby, interest or lifestyle. The service is currently
available through the cable company – Cablevision in New York and New
Jersey with plans to distribute through other cable companies like
Charter Communications[1]
that currently has 6.8 million customers in 40 states. Initially
the service will be available to 1.6 million VOD-enabled Charter digital cable customers[2].
There are also plans to distribute through another
cable company Insight Communications that serves approximately 1.4
million customers, and is highly concentrated in the four contiguous
states of Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Video magazines available at Mag Rack include
American Catholic, The Art of Basketry, Best of Mag Rack, Better Golf
Club, BirdSight, Celebrating Dogs, Classic Cars, Club Vegetarian, Cook
with the Pros, Destination: Nature, Fame & Faith, Healthy By Choice,
History of Art, Inside Weddings, Let's Go Garden, Maximum Science,
Mission: Space, Modern Parent, Motorcycle Freedom, Photography Close Up,
Shakespeare, SportsCamp, Take on Life, The Bible and You, Wine World,
Yoga Retreat, and Your Next Car. By the end of 2002, Mag Rack expects to
offer as many as 40 video magazines Examples
of some of Mag Rack’s programmes include: - Aviator's
World:
is designed to instruct, inform and entertain private pilots, adventure
seekers and aviation and aircraft enthusiasts. Comprised of three
editorial components, Aviator's World includes FAA approved
instructional advice for private pilots, including "Icing,"
"Aircraft Surface Movement" and "Flying Into Towered
Airports." Additionally, Aviator's World features travel
excursions and historical aviation packages culled from "Aviation
Week," the world's leading resource for the aviation and aerospace
community. Total
Snowboard:
is the first national television service fully dedicated to the art of
snowboarding. Viewers get a snowboarding lesson while inside the half
pipe from expert rider Aaron Vujicc. The program also teaches how to
assess the slopes, angles and pitches of the walls, gain speed,
'grabbing' techniques, how to 'drop in' to the pipe, and what to do when
you get out on the other side. Professional rider Jen K. gives insider
tips on what is out there in the world of modern gear: how to choose the
best board (for men and women), bindings, boots, helmets, clothing and
proper nutrition. Viewers will pick up tips on what materials are best
for jumping, gaining speed, or just coasting down the mountain. Also
included are visits to the top snowboarding destinations on the east and
west coasts-from the birthplace of snowboarding, Stratton, VT, to June
Mountain, CA, while assessing all the parks and pipes in between. Total
Snowboard is hosted by Paul Hochman, long time rider and Tech Editor
for "Ski Magazine." Traveller’s
Guide:
provides a civilized and cultured approach to trotting the globe. For
adventurers and creatures of comfort alike, Traveler's Guide
offers an itinerary that both novice and veteran travelers will
appreciate. Each issue features an anchor segment focusing on a
prominent destination city-from Istanbul to Caracas, from Hong Kong to
Berlin. Also included in each issue is a tremendous train trek and a
"great escape" to a spa, island, beach or cruise. Hosted by
John Heminway, celebrated travel writer and host of the long-running PBS
series "Travels," Traveler's Guide offers essays for
travel insiders-from how to navigate state department regulations to
where to find the best dude ranches. Tennis
Zone:
is designed for active tennis players of all skill levels and is hosted
by French Open Doubles winner and captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team,
Patrick McEnroe. With instructional segments from celebrated tennis
trainer Nick Bollettieri, plus original have-more-fun playing tips
segments provided by McEnroe, Tennis Zone will add new, seasonal
elements in 2003. Total
Ski:
Also hosted by Paul Hochman, Total Ski reviews the latest gear,
techniques, accessories, safety equipment, and hot spot ski destinations
around the country. Viewers gain insider access into modern "Gear
and Techniques" from experts like Andrew Mason (senior ski
instructor at June Mountain, CA) and Kristina Koznick (four time World
Cup Slalom winner), while learning what kind of equipment best fits
their level of ability and most enhances their performance.
"Accessories and Safety Equipment" has interviews with
self-confessed "gear heads" like two time Olympian and US
Downhill Champion, Chad Fleisher, who picks his top boots, helmets,
goggles, poles and bindings. The "Destinations" segment tours
the best ski resorts in North America, investigating hill structure and
terrain, run degree of difficulty, lifts and resort service. Mag Rack Kids Club: offers entertaining and informational videos for children ages 1 - 11 years old. Coded by activity and age group, Mag Rack Kids Club features a kids' clubhouse, animated stories, pre-school learning tools, music, magic and more-with narrations by Kevin Kline and songs performed by Judy Collins. Additional activities range from fitness and science to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" profiles. Arranged in categories from Tots (1-3) to Tykes (4-6) to Tweens (7-up), there's always something fun for all pre-teen members of the family—and parents will enjoy them too! Further Information |
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Last updated 30 April 2004