MavTV Taps Avail-TVN to Power its VOD Launch

Avail-TVN--the company formed in July from the merger of VOD distribution services provider, TVN Entertainment, and Avail Media, a provider of managed content-aggregation services for smaller IPTV operators (see article published on itvt.com, July 15th)--announced Tuesday that it has signed an industry-wide VOD services deal with MavTV that will take effect immediately. MavTV, which is owned by the Mav'rick Entertainment Network, targets men aged 18-54 with a programming line-up that includes sports, gaming, comedy, and movies, as well as programs on women and relationships, health and fitness, finance and gadgets.

According to Avail-TVN, the deal will enable MavTV to utilize Avail-TVN's full suite of VOD services to support the launch of its SD and HD VOD packages. Those services, the company says, include metadata publishing, distribution and asset management services to support various codecs, formats, fast-turnaround requirements, distribution platforms and advertising initiatives across North America. Programming that will be available on-demand as a result of the deal includes "The Lucas Oil Motorsports Show," "Rad Girls" (billed as "the female version of "Jackass"), "American Tailgater" (which MavTV says "takes a comic look at tailgating at some of the most famous events and stadiums"), "Demolition Dynasty," and "The Single Life with Sam Philips" (featuring the eponymous former Playboy Playmate hosting discussions about dating, sex and relationships). "It's exciting to see another new entrant into the video-on-demand space, especially one with a target demographic that is so active in the platform," Matt Cohen, Avail-TVN's SVP of strategy and business development, said in a prepared statement. "This deal furthers our efforts to provide unique on-demand content--especially in HD--that we are sure will appeal to our affiliates' customers."