Veterans of Gemstar-TV Guide International (TV Guide) unveiled plans to launch Auction Network, the first Internet and television network dedicated to the $257 billion global auction industry. Auction Network will enable viewers to participate as "virtual bidders" in live auctions ranging from "high-octane automobiles, million dollar thoroughbreds, exclusive wine collections and their favorite celebrity's private collections."
Auction Network has an exclusive partnership with the NAA (National Auctioneers Association) and its 6,500 members. It will launch phase one in the fall of 2007 as an Internet television network with 24/7 streaming video, VOD and gaming content. Phase two, which will include cable and satellite television platforms, will launch in 2008.
Tava Smiley, whose credits include General Hospital, I Want That! Kitchens, correspondence for Extra, and hosting Fox Movie Channel’s red carpet movie premiers, will serve as the Network's main host.
Auction Network will include feature-rich, diverse and engaging programs focusing on auctions and the stories behind their items. Viewers can participate in the bidding process as virtual bidders by logging on to the Web site or opting in via mobile phone. A voice-activated system will award the bid and ask the virtual bidder for acknowledgement. Virtual bidders may enter a proxy bid or a bid prior to the sale, if they are unable to participate live and they may also request "wake up calls," which provide an automated phone call alert for categories of interest.
Auction Network will make information about auction products available to viewers through several media including online catalogs, high-resolution photos and live streaming videos. Product previews will be available prior to and during the auction so the online bidder experience more closely mimics being at the live auction event. Questions and bidder support will be provided by a toll-free number staffed with Auction Network representatives.
In addition to live, interactive auctions, programming will include behind-the-scenes and family shows with "heartwarming stories about auctioneers, collectors, artists, buyers and sellers of all things auction as well as fun kid auctions and national auctioneer contests where voting will, in talent scout fashion, happen live and interactively across the U.S. in search of the next auctioneers."
