Curtain Rising on Internet Programming Potential; Media: Firms as diverse as CBS, RealNetworks and Microsoft have found common ground in providing new levels of content for consumers.: [Home Edition]

Abstract

Also pushing the TV networks to sell programming online is Culver City-based Intertainer, which offers a package of movies, music videos and TV shows through selected cable TV and high-speed phone networks. Although it has less than 50,000 subscribers, Intertainer is backed by several leading technology and media companies, including Microsoft and Sony Corp.

CBS was the first out of the gate, teaming with Real in July to offer around-the-clock video feeds from the set of "Big Brother 2." The network, which had provided Webcasts from the previous "Big Brother" set for free, charged a one-time fee of $19.95 for the "Big Brother 2" feeds. Real also offered the Webcasts as part of its GoldPass subscription, which costs $9.95 per month.

When it releases its new "RealOne" software later this year, Real plans a revamped version of GoldPass that will include more programming from the networks. Real also plans to sell the "RealOne" technology to other companies that want to design their own subscription services.