The Revolution: As rugby embraces the digital age Servecast are making online viewing a must see event

As rugby's media revolution gathers pace, clubs now find themselves dealing with supporter demands for instant gratification. Broadband has turned the sport on its head, meaning fans expect news, reviews and coverage from their side in an instantaneous press of a button. Founded in 1998 by Kevin Quinn, Servecast is a leading specialist supplier of New Media Sportscasting. The company has recently signed a three year deal with the RFL to create and host Super League TV, A pay per view broadband video service on the engage Super League's official website: www.engagesuperleague.co.uk.

Kevin said "Customers expect easy access to sports news and coverage through a number of mediums. We believe that their relationship with the sport is enriched by new media content, provided with a personalized delivery."

The Super League games will be available live over broadband to all non UK and Austalasian territories, whilst in the UK , France and the Middle East matches will be archived, video on demand content with a 24 hour delay.

Whilst traditionally turning to digital channels for this type of service, supporters and companies alike are rapidly realizing the benefits of going online.

Kevin continued "Setting up a web channel is far more cost effective than producing an actual TV programme. The key element has undoubtedly been the growth of broadband, which allows for smooth video access.

This boom has seen broadband achieve user figures of eight million in just four years. It took Sky 15 years to produce the same results. The fans are benefiting too. The web streams have a large global reach, we can be more inventive with our content as well as marketing it far more effectively to our target audience."

A total of 62 games, including the playoff matches and Grand Final will be streamed live over the engage Super League website each season. Internationals are covered with each of the seven Tri Nation matches whilst the World Cup challenge matches will also be available. These games will be included in the pay per view and the subscription packages.

The beauty of Servecast is the comprehensive level of service they provide. It includes the entire site design, building and set up of the complete subscription and delivery platform for the service. Servecast digital rights management will also be applied to all archive content and will ensure end users can securely download video clips.

They're managing the billing and security for the site, including online payment interface, a tailored revenue tracking system and subscriber database. As if that's not enough, Servecast also provide regular reporting at the end of the month including content usage, user analysis, geographic location, sales and revenue related to the pay per view and subscription sales. Show offs.

Commenting on the service, the RFL's Director of Marketing, Simon Malcolm, said "Our partnership with Servecast will enbable us to offer internet users, both in the UK and in key markets throughout the world a new and exciting way to view engage Super League. We see the web as an increasingly important channel through which to reach our customers directly.

About Servecast
Founded in 1998, Servecast is the leading specialist supplier of New Media Sportscasting delivering advanced streaming media solutions for the Sports Industry. Servecast's Media Studio™ Platform enables Sporting Organisations and Rights Holders to exploit their media assets to new broadband and mobile connected audiences.

Through the delivery of high quality audio visual sports content over broadband and mobile applications, Servecast's Media Studio platform greatly enhances the global fan sporting experience and enables the delivery of significant new revenue streams to the rights holder. Through our focus on sports, Servecast has developed a deep partnership network with major broadcasters, clubs and sporting bodies, the online betting industry, technology providers and content syndication partners. We leverage these partnerships to ensure optimal business success for our customers.