Discovery Communications Brings Video Content to Google Earth
NEW YORK, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Communications today announced
the availability of Discovery's world-class video content on Google Earth,
Google's satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings
and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. For the first time,
Discovery will provide streaming video on Google Earth for locations around
the world including popular destinations, historic sites and natural wonders,
among others.
In this initial release, Discovery will offer informative and engaging
video content showcasing 10 of America's most popular National Parks,
including Yellowstone; Mount Rushmore; and Dinosaur National Park. By
clicking on Discovery's globe icon shown at destination sites at which
Discovery video content is available, Google Earth users will launch an
interactive broadband player hosted by Discovery that will enable them to
select from several two- to four-minute compelling videos from Discovery's
rich archive at each target destination.
"By combining Discovery's wealth of knowledge-based content with Google
Earth's innovative platform and technology, consumers have an unparalleled
opportunity to explore our world as never before," said Don Baer, Senior
Executive Vice President for Strategy & Development, Discovery Communications,
who heads Discovery's global multiplatform efforts. "With the worldwide
appeal and utility of Discovery's programming, the possibilities for
exploration are endless."
"Google Earth users worldwide can now access enriching and educational
videos that capture the breadth and detail of popular destinations and
national landmarks," said John Hanke, director, Google Maps/Local/Earth,
Google Inc. "Discovery's video content complements the immersive experience
of Google Earth and aligns well with our company mission to deliver the
world's information directly to users."
Among Discovery's core content genres of History, Science, the Natural
World, Travel and Adventure and Animals, users will find:
* Video content for 10 destinations available beginning today: Glacier
National Park; Yellowstone; The Everglades; Point Reyes National
Seashore; Mt. Rushmore; Alaska National Parks; Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks; Santa Monica Mountains National Park; Carlsbad Caverns;
and Dinosaur National Park;
* Ongoing content updates and additions, including videos for nearly 50
new locations spanning the globe in the coming months; and
* Special features on Discovery's world-class specials such as the
upcoming global series DISCOVERY ATLAS, the most ambitious HD project
ever, offering both video and companion content for 30 countries
included in a multi-year programming franchise beginning with China,
Brazil, Italy and Australia in 2006.
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media
company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel,
first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in
170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers.
DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network
entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery
Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel,
Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids
en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y
Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other
properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which
operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also
distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of
four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB), Cox
Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks,
the Company's Founder and Chairman.
