SUBtv (student television)
Encyclopedia
Subtv is an interactive television channel
for students' union
s 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 video
s 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. 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 , 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.
Television channel
A television channel is a physical or virtual channel over which a television station or television network is distributed. For example, in North America, "channel 2" refers to the broadcast or cable band of 54 to 60 MHz, with carrier frequencies of 55.25 MHz for NTSC analog video and...
for students' union
Students' union
A students' union, student government, student senate, students' association, guild of students or government of student body is a student organization present in many colleges and universities, and has started appearing in some high schools...
s and universities
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It is broadcast in around 96 British universities on plasma screens. As well as broadcasting standardised programming consisting solely of music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
s and advertising
Advertising
Advertising is a form of communication used to persuade an audience to take some action with respect to products, ideas, or services. Most commonly, the desired result is to drive consumer behavior with respect to a commercial offering, although political and ideological advertising is also common...
, 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
Digital signage
Digital signage is a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising and other messages. Digital signs can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants and corporate buildings.Digital signage Displays are most...
network. 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
Adobe Director
Adobe Director is a multimedia application authoring platform created by Macromedia—now part of Adobe Systems. It allows users to build applications built on a movie metaphor, with the user as the "director" of the movie...
, 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
TV tuner card
A TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner that allows television signals to be received by a computer. Most TV tuners also function as video capture cards, allowing them to record television programs onto a hard disk much like the Tivo digital video recorder does.-Variants: The interfaces for...
. 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
IPhone
The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007...
application , 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.