Watchitoo today introduced a new device that enables broadcast studios to upgrade Web video quality and pipe the improved video streams to TV.

The Watchitoo Channel Encoder 1000 (WCE-1000) is a server/hardware combination that can turn a Web video stream into an HDTV-quality product by treating it like an in-studio camera feed. For the first time, producers have the granular control they need over frame rate, pixel resolution and audio quality.

This capability is especially powerful in combination with the Watchitoo interactive streaming platform, which enables up to 25 people to join a group video chat via their webcams. Producers can now handle each participant – as well as any content under discussion – as a separate composite video feed. Or they can take all the feeds.

The WCE-1000 has major implications for organizations using Internet content for TV or Web TV. It enables them to:

• Provide true HDTV video and audio quality from Internet video streams;
• Pick individual participants from a group videochat and present them to viewers however they wish;
• Separate video from audio for quality engineering;
• Silence redundant audio; and
• Easily send the output to the Web, TV or both.

“Viewers demand high-definition-quality media on the TV and Internet,” said Watchitoo CEO Rony Zarom. “With the WCE-1000, they will no longer suffer through the low-quality Web video feeds they’ve seen on television and streaming sites. Higher-quality video, and more control over how it’s presented to the viewer, will tremendously benefit social TV on the Web, cable and the broadcast networks. The result will be driving more viewers to great content. The boundaries between the Internet and the television are blurring, and we’re helping drive that revolution.”

How it works

The WCE allows producers to connect and screen remote virtual participants through the Watchitoo platform control room. The technical producer can control the remote participants’ source stream, using the WCE-1000 control panel to set frame rate and bandwidth to obtain the best possible feed. The server’s administration/configuration screens enable the producer to set resolution and frames-per-second (FPS) output.

The multi-stream feeds are then pushed through the Watchitoo content delivery network, outputted to the WCE-1000, and encoded through Watchitoo hardware that feeds into a network studio switcher (via HDMI – HD/SDI). Studio producers can then switch and broadcast the Watchitoo feeds to television and/or Web as desired.

The WCE-1000 is a turnkey solution that includes a server, customization and training. It is available now. For more information, contact +1 (212) 354-5888 or sales@watchitoo.com.

Building on a string of high-profile customer wins and key strategic partnerships, Watchitoo is expanding its global presence beginning with a new data center and distribution channel in the UK .

Watchitoo uniquely combines videochat, HD streaming and collaboration software on a SaaS platform for education, entertainment and business customers in the United States and, increasingly, throughout the world.

The company today announced it has opened a data center in London to ensure high-bandwidth audiovisual quality and reliability backed by premier service and support. To deliver the assured service, Watchitoo has tapped Cogent Communications, a world-class ISP and the second-largest peered network in the world. Its 21,300 customers account for nearly one-fifth of the traffic on the Internet.

Watchitoo also announced an international distribution agreement with Imago Group plc, a $77 million video communications distributor on the outskirts of London. Imago will sell Watchitoo subscriptions to businesses through its network of resellers in Europe and South Africa.

“We’re thrilled that we have secured so much traction in the United States, and now we hear the rest of the world knocking,” said Watchitoo CEO Rony Zarom. “It’s time to branch out, and we’re doing it the right way with a data center that ensures our overseas customers will be as pleased with the Watchitoo experience as our American customers. Our distribution partnership with Imago will ensure that we sustain the momentum and grow at a healthy clip, opening other markets in due time.”

A wide range of organizations have been using Watchitoo to engage their audiences. The National Basketball Association hosted a live town hall with stars Amar’e Stoudemire, Kevin Durant, and Stephon Curry. Companies like VH1 and Animal Planet use Watchitoo for close online encounters with stars. Watchitoo has partnered with Pearson Education to embed Watchitoo in the Pearson LearningStudio for select institutions seeking a dynamic virtual classroom. Large businesses are using Watchitoo for training, sales and customer service.

The Fully Integrated Platform Will Deliver a Synchronous Streaming Video Tool to Pearson LearningStudio Users

New York, NY – March 21, 2012 –Watchitoo (www.watchitoo.com), the interactive, SaaS-based collaboration solution that provides institutions with student engagement , tracking and reporting capabilities, announced that it has partnered with Pearson eCollege to provide an integrated solution directly accessible from within the Pearson LearningStudio platform.

Watchitoo combines video conferencing, collaboration and online video into a single scalable platform that enhances interaction for both instructors and students. Watchitoo’s easy to use interface, seamlessly embedded within the Pearson LearningStudio, allows real-time dialogue between the student and instructor as well as between students. This dynamic environment makes remote learning more impactful, more engaging and increases value to both the students and the institutions.

Class participants can engage in synchronous video class discussions as well as interact via whiteboard, screen-sharing, chat, questions and polling. Watchitoo’s platform allows up to 25 live participants to simultaneously collaborate via video in a virtual classroom environment, around nearly any form of media (such as PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, documents, photos and Hi-Definition video clips) – and additional participants can interact via audio and text questions. Files can be arranged in a playlist ahead of time, classes can easily be recorded and real-time reporting is available to track attendance and engagement.

“Distance learning institutions and universities around the globe are looking for a cost-effective and synchronous video learning platform,” said Rony Zarom, CEO of Watchitoo. “Our leading edge and scalable interactive streaming platform gives educational institutions the ability to host lectures and learning sessions from their own websites that can be just as powerful as a physical learning experience. “

“The integrated Watchitoo solution will allow educators to engage with students in new and meaningful ways, leading to higher course attendance, student retention and improved academic results” said Jeff Borden, VP of Instruction & Academic Strategies at Pearson eCollege.

About Watchitoo

New York-based Watchitoo provides an embeddable video collaboration platform to deliver live content in a highly engaging way. The Watchitoo platform allows multiple participants to see and hear one another in real-time, collaborate around any form of rich media, and be viewed by an audience scalable into the thousands. With Watchitoo, any viewer can become a participant and any participant can be switched back to a general viewer. For more information, visit www.watchitoo.com.

TV shows no longer have to end when the credits roll. Popular shows such as the VH1 Basketball Wives and Mob Wives have found exciting ways to extend the life of the shows, keep the conversations (or drama) going and offer fans a fun way to be part of the chatter. Through video chat, stars of these shows have beamed to answer fans questions, comment on the latest gossip and give some lucky fans a few minutes of face to face conversations. Watchitoo is thrilled to partner with these shows to provide the platform to make it all possible.

Join us today, March 20th, at 3pm ET to chat with Royce Reed, one of the stars of Vh1’s Basketball Wives. She will be live via video chat on for a special Live Q & A. Tune in to hear the latest gossip, and ask her your questions.

Watch Live | Mobile Viewers

Watchitoo is also excited to partner with The Insider to bring you the latest in Hollywood gossip. Join hosts Kevin Frazier & Brooke Anderson today, March 20th at 4pm ET. They will be talking with Adam Rodriguez from CSI: Miami about his current role and his one coming up as a male stripper. Connect via Facebook to view and comment.

Facebook.com/theinsider | Mobile Viewers: http://bit.ly/xidjCW

Tonight’s episode of the Insider will feature a segment from their weekly Facebook broadcasted with Watchitoo.

The show airs each week on Facebook with great success. The Insider chose the Watchitoo platform to create a new, innovative medium to broadcast their show, invite guests easily and engage with its fanbase. Fans are able to ask questions and comment on the latest in Hollywood news. Tonight’s episode which airs on CBS will feature their latest Facebook show where Kevin and Brooke’s connected with Joey Fatone from his hotel room in Las Vegas. He logged on with his laptop and webcam and discussed his latest venture, his time on Dancing with the Stars and shared some cooking tips as well. Check it out for yourself: www.facebook.com/theinsider or check your local listings for tonight’s episode of the Insider on CBS.

Joining the notable people like President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, the NBA is hosting a live Town Hall on Facebook.

In preparation for the BIG NBA Christmas Tip-Off this Sunday, the NBA is bringing together fans and players to talk on Facebook, in a Town Hall moderated by David Aldridge. The event, which will take place tonight at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET will feature special guests including Amar’e Stoudemire, Kevin Durant, and Stephon Curry.

You’ll be able to Tweet in your questions with hashtag #NBATownhall and select questions will be addressed during the live event.

To join the show, RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/219435678135013 or tune in live at http://www.nba.com/townhall.

Enjoy the show!