About BathTV
BathTV - A new media vision for Bath
BathTV is the brainchild of Production Director Jeremy Curd. It came from the conviction that Bath needed to have it's own dedicated local TV service, able to promote and encourage all the good things available and going on in the city. Having been involved in community video and television since 1990, Jeremy has been committed to developing a cost effective approach to television which benefits from the latest advances in video production technology. As a result, after moving back to the West Country from London in 1997, Digital Image was birthed.
For the last ten years, Digital Image has been involved in production work ranging from the programmes for satellite TV to promotional DVDs and training organisations in the use of video. The question then arose, as to how to get quality local programming to viewers, without the huge financial investment involved in setting up a traditional TV channel. The solution was to be found in the fast emerging ability of the Internet to carry full screen video material. Commonly called IPTV, or WebTV, internet video services are now available thanks to widespread availability of broadband connections, as well as new server and viewing software.
A suitable partner company able to develop these Internet services was found in Bathcomms - a web design and development company active for the past 10 years in Bath's commercial and community life. Bathcomms director, Steve Sherwin now also serves as BathTV's Web Services Director.
Made in Bath…for Bath and its visitors…
BathTV therefore offers the benefits of professional quality local video material, delivered through the cost effective medium of the internet. By drawing global attention to local products and services it also serves to regenerate a 'real world' local community, unlike many websites which serve to help people escape from the real world and become part of a 'virtual' global community. In the area of 'values' it was also felt that a fresh wholesome approach would be possible that reflected local desires for sustainable living styles that were family and community friendly.
Why?
Potential beneficiaries include visitors from the UK and around the world being able to 'experience' the city through quality video coverage of it's attractions; people thinking of moving here – including thousands of prospective students every year; local businesses with a new video empowered 'shop window' for their services; local community focussed organisations and, not least, families and individuals who would be increasingly served with a quality local based information and entertainment service they could be proud of.
Way Ahead for BathTV
Initially, to get the site established, our plan is to promote the 'visitor orientated' aspects of the city. Thereafter, we will develop local community channels. We believe there is a real niche TV requirement here in Bath and are pleased to be able to offer a new service that has the potential to affirm all that is good in Bath and the surrounding area.
The Future of Web TV
With the large scale adoption of broadband connections, the web is poised for not just more video over the Internet but for user-interactive facilities embedded within web videos.... so called Rich Interactive Applications. This means that anything that's currently possible within a standard website page will become available from within an on-line video based user experience. Clearly the opportunities for shared TV experiences whether socially or commercially are considerable and BathTV is committed to bringing the benefits of this new chapter on the Internet to our commercial and community clients along with all our viewers.
Your suggestions
Feel free to feed back your suggestions for BathTV. This is a project very much for Bath and so if you live in the area and have suggestions we'd love to hear from you. So why not Contact us?