PASADENA, CA, January 8, 2000 - PBS, an acknowledged leader in the evolution of television and video into new digital media, will expand its home video line into multiple DVD versions beginning in 2000, John Hollar, executive vice president, PBS Learning Ventures, announced today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour. Three types of DVDs will be offered by PBS Home Video and PBS KIDS® home video:
The new generations of PBS DVD are:
- PBS DVD Video, which will include the same PBS program as the home videocassette version, as well as such features as enhanced audio, "search by chapter," and, when played on a computer, a link to the award-winning PBS.org Web site.
- PBS DVD Gold, which will include all the elements of the PBS DVD Video, plus more sophisticated navigation through program content and such bonus materials as additional footage, behind-the-scenes features, original source documents, bibliographies, maps and pictures.
- PBS DVD-ROM, which will include everything in the Gold version and add features designed specifically for use on a computer, such as user-directed animation and advanced interactive activities.
"Our objective is to make all of PBS's outstanding, mission-driven programming available in multiple media with features that make the experience rich and personal for the digital user. We're pleased to announce a varied line of DVDs to advance that goal," said Mr. Hollar. "Ultimately, every PBS Home Video and PBS KIDS home video title will be offered on videocassette and on DVD."
PBS Home Video furthers PBS's mission of lifelong learning by expanding the availability of PBS's top-quality programs. PBS, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is a private, nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 346 public television stations. A trusted community resource, PBS uses the power of noncommercial television, the Internet and other media to enrich the lives of all Americans through quality programs and education services that inform, inspire and delight. Available to 99 percent of American homes with televisions and to an increasing number of digital multimedia households, PBS serves nearly 100 million people each week. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org.
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Contacts
Jan McNamara
jmcnamara@pbs.org
(703) 739-5028
Tad Roebuck, PBS
troebuck@pbs.org
(212) 708-3004