AOL Launches AOL HD
Wednesday 27 July 2011
AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) today announced the launch of AOL HD, a dedicated app that will deliver rich high-definition video to users across connected TV platforms including Boxee, Roku and Yahoo! Connected TV. AOL HD will allow consumers to watch high quality AOL video and audio content for free by streaming online offerings directly to users’ television sets. Utilizing the latest connected TV platforms in the marketplace, AOL HD delivers on AOL’s strategy to deliver content to its audience across multiple screens: computer, mobile and now television.
“There has been explosive growth in the number of users who watch and interact with internet content on their televisions,” said Rob DelaCruz, General Manager for AOL HD. “We’re uniquely positioned to serve this audience, delivering premium original content in a rich high definition experience and engaging users across all of their screens.”
AOL HD will feature three main channels of high-definition AOL Huffington Post Media Group content — entertainment, technology and home. Each channel will feature a breadth of rich content from properties like Moviefone, Engadget and HuffPost Entertainment. Other content will include cooking videos from celebrity chef personalities like Curtis Stone and Gail Simmons, as well as AOL Music’s full CD Listening Party (CDLP) audio content, which allows users to listen to free previews of entire albums before they’re released. AOL will introduce new video channels and content, including casual games, later this year.
“AOL has invested a lot of resources to create, curate, and deliver an impressive array of compelling content," said Avner Ronen, CEO of Boxee. "We're happy AOL has chosen Boxee to help distribute their content to our nearly two million users across the globe."
“Roku customers are looking for a variety of entertainment options, and AOL HD delivers,” says Jim Funk, Vice President of Business Development at Roku. “From technology and entertainment news to home improvement and cooking tips, the AOL HD channel is a great addition to the Roku platform.”
With the launch of AOL HD, AOL will be able to interact with users in the comfort of their living rooms by delivering compelling content and entertainment while also providing AOL advertisers with more innovative ways to reach potential customers. Initially launching on Boxee, Roku, Yahoo! Connected TV and Divx, AOL HD will reach an installed user base of over 10MM users* and be available for immediate download from each platform's app library. Plans to expand AOL HD to other connected platforms are scheduled in the coming months.
