CITY FOCUS: Something to watch, always

Internet-based television could be taking a quantum leap forward. KoldCastTV, an innovative, high-quality network, could transform the way we watch television — and Laguna Beach resident George Riviere, is one of the men behind this new network.

Riviere joined KoldCastTV’s founder and CEO, David Samuels, in July of 2007 to become Senior VP of Strategic Technology and to help develop the website, which launched Feb. 20.

They’ve created a network unlike any other that delivers on-demand programming via fast-speed broadband connection.

“We don’t want to be just like everyone else,” Riviere said. “Quality of content, easy navigation, and high-quality definition and sound are some key differentiators [from other Internet TV sites].”

Riviere is the husband of Eileen Garcia, the prominent anti-illegal immigration activist. The couple sued the city of Laguna Beach last year challenging the legality of the city’s Day Labor Site. The suit was dismissed and is on appeal.

Riviere was introduced to the idea of Internet TV by Samuels, who had been entertaining the idea of an entertainment site with his sons, Greg and Brian, since August of 2006. The former vice president and part-owner of an Irvine-based web development company, State of the Art — where he once worked with Samuels — Riviere brings 30 years experience to KoldCastTV.

The site, which will remain in beta for approximately 30-60 more days, currently has 13 networks and about 100 channels aimed toward an 18-25 year-old demographic. Riviere said they are adding content every day, and expect significant growth in the upcoming months.

Among these 13 networks are Music, Comedy, Action Sports, NewsRoom, and Lifestyles. Each appear on the main screen, and allow further navigation to the desired channel and program. Unlike with MySpace or YouTube, there is no tedious browsing — everything is laid out clearly and content is accessible with just a few clicks.

Some other cool features that make this venue stand out are a comical news broadcast called “The Ointment” — similar to “The Daily Show” — and links to photo galleries, online merchandise, and recipes. Cooking comedian, Average Betty, is one who shares her recipes with viewers via the site.

It also has Branded Channels, which are dedicated to specific sponsors; CORR (Championship Offroad Racing) and Crusty Demons (Moto X) are two channels that are currently up-and-running.

Most of the viewing content is free, but high definition movies and full-featured films — anything longer than 30 minutes — will be pay-per-view, although costs have not yet been determined.

While one goal is to promote producers and artists, Riviere said they are extremely selective; only approximately 20% of those seeking to be on a KoldCastTV channel are selected.

“Our philosophy is to give independent producers of content a venue where they can promote themselves,” Riviere said. Those with the highest ratings and number of views will be featured on the main page, which will further boost promotion.

The site will be mainly advertiser and sponsorship-driven. Those who want unlimited time and space on the site will have to pay a fee. To-date, the site has relied on investment funding primarily by Samuels, followed by Riviere.

There is currently a team of seven, who are still working to develop the site. They are getting ready for what Riviere called “the big launch.”

Future plans call for program development that will allow the service to be viewed on mobile devices and standard televisions.

To find KoldCastTV, go to KoldCastTV.com