High-Definition Television Series Uses New Groundbreaking Gamecaster Cybercam TM S2 Technology to Transform Video Game Tournaments into a Spectacular Spectator Sport
New York, NY – February 6, 2007 – VOOM HD Networks' GAMEPLAY HD, the high-definition channel leading the next generation of television for gamers, announced today that the first episode of their original series, Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142 TM Invitational, will premiere on Thursday, February 15th, 2007 at 10:00pm ET. Offering a viewing experience never before delivered in the competitive gaming circuit, this eight-part half-hour tournament series utilizes groundbreaking new technology developed by Gamecaster that pulls viewers into the video game playing field of Electronic Arts' Battlefield 2142, delivering high production values on par with professional sports broadcasts, as pro-sports camera operators and commentators make the tournament an exciting spectator event.
Eight teams of 5 players converged in Los Angeles in September 2006, to put their playing prowess to the test. Capturing all the close calls and dramatic moments from within the game, the Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142 Invitational series is the first televised gaming tournament that truly puts viewers on the 50 yard line of this burgeoning sport. Co-produced with Gamecaster, a San Diego based pro-gaming production house, the series utilizes their revolutionary, patent-pending Gamecaster Cybercam TM S2 technology that grants a 360 degree view of the world inside the game. This new technology allows pro-sports camera operators to shoot the action on the video game's playing field from within the game itself with the precision and fluidity of real-life sports camera equipment. GAMEPLAY HD's viewers will be able to experience major-league quality coverage of the head-to-head battles, with real sports commentators calling the shots.
Hosted by video-game enthusiast Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of the multi-platinum rap-rock band P.O.D, viewers get a VIP all-access pass into this winner-takes-all tournament, with a $30,000 purse on the line. Co-host Tina Wood, a popular on-air video game personality, brings her vast gaming background to the event. In an effort to merge the worlds of sports and gaming, the play-by-play commentary is provided by Phil Stone, a seasoned professional sports announcer with 27 years experience calling NFL games, college football, basketball and baseball; and Richard Briggs, EA's senior product manager for Battlefield 2142 and the foremost authority on the game. Enthusiasts and sporting fans alike can tune into GAMEPLAY HD on January 18th to witness the future of gaming tournaments in jaw dropping high definition. GAMEPLAY HD is available nationwide on the DISH satellite network, channel 9485.
EA's Battlefield 2142 is a ground-breaking first-person shooter from EA's critically acclaimed Swedish development studio, Digital Illusions. In the game, players choose to fight for one of two military superpowers – the European Union or the newly formed Pan Asian Coalition – in an epic battle for survival. Armed with a devastating arsenal of high-tech assault rifles, cloaking devices and sentry guns, players will also do battle using some of the most imposing vehicles known to man. Massive battle walkers and hover tanks wage fierce combat on the ground, while futuristic aircraft rule the skies. The video game is rated T (Teen) with a descriptor, Violence, by the ESRB.
About GAMEPLAY HD
GAMEPLAY HD (www.gameplayhd.com) is the only 24/7 high-definition video game network – it is a whole new experience in video-game television, using next-gen games to create next-gen TV. GAMEPLAY HD covers the top tournaments from around the world and provides tips, news, reviews and previews for all kinds of gamers. The network is a first of its kind, taking advantage of the gorgeous, native HD resolution of games. At GAMEPLAY HD the intensity of the video game comes alive!
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks (www.voom.com) is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music, and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks – AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; its regional programming service – Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere – the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow's other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division – IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division – Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation – and its full service network programming origination and distribution company – Rainbow Network Communications.
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc. (www.gamecaster.com) is a media, entertainment and technology-licensing Company engaged in the development, production and marketing of video game competitions and related programs for broadcast worldwide in all media, the sale of corporate sponsorships for such competitions and programs, the licensing or sale of Gamecaster-branded merchandise, and the licensing or sale of Gamecaster CybercamTM S2 technology and related services. The Company's management and advisory team has decades of experience in the sports, television and video games industries, and has produced high-profile TV franchises, including the CBS Olympics, the World Series, NFL, PGA Tour, U.S. Open, NCAA Tournaments, and the hit Comedy Central TV, toy and video games franchise BattleBots.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U. S. and/or other countries. Battlefield 2142 is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.