Open Source Internet-TV

BOSTON — Independent video producers in search of a new means to deliver their content online have a new friend in the nonprofit world, thanks to open-source software released today by The Participatory Culture Foundation.

Backed by tech veterans Andy Rappaport and Mitch Kapor, the PCF is looking to do for video what podcasting has done for audio. Publishing over the Internet using standard RSS feeds, the aptly named Broadcast Machine software includes a companion DTV viewer that lets users subscribe and manage different broadcasts.

Similar technologies are already in place for podcasting, including Apple’s recent upgrade to its iTunes player that lets people subscribe to and manage different podcasts.

“The DTV rolls up everything you need to find video channels, subscribe to channels, download video and watch it in one package,” PCF co-director Holmes Wilson said.

Wilson said regularly produced Internet video shows, or Internet TV, will inevitably become a large market as the technology catches on.

"We want to make a mass medium for video that works in the same way as blogs do today," he said.

All based on BitTorrent technology, a popular file sharing application, the PCF software includes a built-in DTV Channel Guide, which already boasts more than 100 free internet TV channels. Producers need only submit to the guide for consideration.

A host of commercial companies are trying to capitalize on Internet TV, including digital playback developer TiVo, which recently began testing a new service that lets customers download shows off the Internet before they air on television. In August, TiVo inked a deal with the Independent Film Channel that offers many of the channel's shows to TiVo subscribers via broadband.

PCF, however, plans to stay nonprofit. But that doesn’t mean the foundation is thinking small, Wilson said. Already plans are in place to integrate Microsoft's Windows Media Player into the Broadcast Machine, enabling digital right management (DRM) that larger producers will no doubt want.

"Most of the publishers we are dealing with at this stage aren't using any DRM," Wilson said.

Both the Broadcast Machine and the DTV player are available free from The Participatory Culture Foundation’s website.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Show More