Discovery Digital Networks: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 19:44, 12 September 2024

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{{Short description|American media organization}}

[[Image:Revision3_logo.gif|128px|right|]]

{{Infobox company

'''Revision3 Studios''' is a company that produces and distributes [[technology]]-related [[videozine]]s over the [[Internet]]. The company has released two videozines; ''[[thebroken]]'' and ''Systm''. They also host a [[vidcast|video version]] of the podcast ''[[Diggnation]]'', which is co-hosted by Revision3 Studios' executive producer [[Kevin Rose]].

| name = Discovery Digital Networks

| logo = Discovery Digital Networks logo.svg

| type = [[Subsidiary]]

| genre =

| successor = [[Group Nine Media]]

| foundation = {{start date and age|2013|6|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whois.domaintools.com/discoverydn.com|title=DiscoveryDn.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools|work=[[WHOIS]]|access-date=2016-08-21}}</ref><br>[[San Francisco]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]

| location_city = San Francisco, California

| location_country = U.S.

| defunct = {{end date and age|2016|12}}

| ___location =

| locations =

| area_served =

| key_people = [[Jim Louderback]] ([[Chief executive officer|Former CEO]])<br /> [[Philip DeFranco]] ([[Senior Vice President]])

| industry = [[Technology]]

| services =

| revenue =

| operating_income =

| net_income =

| assets =

| equity =

| num_employees = 75

| parent = [[Discovery Communications]]<ref>[http://revision3.com/about Revision3 > About Us] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614092153/http://revision3.com/about |date=June 14, 2007 }}</ref><ref name=discovery/>

| divisions =

| subsid =

| homepage = [http://www.discoverydn.com www.discoverydn.com]

| footnotes =

| intl =

}}

'''Discovery Digital Networks''' was a [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]] based [[multi-channel network|multi-channel]] [[Internet television]] and [[digital cable]] network that created, produced and distributed [[streaming television]] shows on niche topics. It was sold by [[Discovery Communications]] into [[Group Nine Media]] in December 2016 and, as such, no longer exists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/discovery-thrillist-nowthis-dodo-merger-1201887821/|title=Discovery Investing $100 Million to Merge Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo in New Digital Venture|work=Variety|date=13 October 2016|access-date=2016-11-30}}</ref>

Discovery Digital Networks operated the online video arm of [[Discovery Communications]] from its acquisition in May 2012 until the sale to Group Nine Media.<ref name="discovery">{{cite press release | url=http://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-news/discovery-communications-acquire-top-digital-video/#mkcpgn=blgdsc1 | title=Discovery Communications to Acquire Top Digital Video Provider Revision3 | work=Discovery Communications | date=May 3, 2012 | access-date=May 4, 2012 | ___location=Silver Spring, Md. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505162608/http://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-news/discovery-communications-acquire-top-digital-video/#mkcpgn=blgdsc1 | archive-date=May 5, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It operated as the provider for six distinct "networks:" [[Revision3]], [[TestTube]], [[Animalist]], [[Seeker (media company)|Seeker]], the [[Philip DeFranco|DeFranco Network]] and [[Rev3Games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/user/discdigitalnetworks/about | title=Discovery Digital Networks - YouTube | work=Discovery Communications| access-date=2013-12-20}}</ref>

The company was formed in [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], [[California]] by [[Kevin Rose]] and [[Dan Huard]], who at the time were employees of the [[television]] network [[TechTV]]. They first released ''thebroken'', a videozine related to computer hacking. After TechTV merged with [[G4 (television)|G4]] and lost most of its technology-related programming, Rose and Huard were inspired to create a new series, ''Systm'', which is geared toward “the common [[geek]]”.

==History==

The company is made up of:

On May 3, 2012, [[Discovery Communications]] announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Revision3.<ref name="discovery"/> The transaction closed on June 1, 2012.<ref name=discovery/> On December 5, 2012, Discovery launched DNews, with current stories about science and technology drawn from the Discovery website [[Discovery News]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://revision3.com/blog/2012/12/05/discovery-communications-revision3-dnews/ |title=Revision3 > Blog > Discovery Communications and Revision3 Launch "DNews" Online Series and YouTube Channel |access-date=2013-03-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507113625/http://revision3.com/blog/2012/12/05/discovery-communications-revision3-dnews/ |archive-date=2013-05-07 }}</ref>

On May 23, 2013, Discovery launched a sister site to itself called [[TestTube]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/2013/05/23/revision3-launches-new-digital-network-testtube/ |title=Revision3 Launches New Digital Network: TestTube |date=2013-05-23}}</ref> It separates documentary-type shows from the main site, including the long-running Scam School, to better market to the existing [[Discovery Channel]] audience. On May 30, 2013, Discovery acquired the company set up by [[Philip DeFranco]], DeFranco Creative.<ref name="variety.com"/> A new subsidiary was formed under Revision3 called Phil DeFranco Networks and Merchandise, which he will now completely operate under as Senior VP.

*'''[[Jay Adelson]]''' (CEO, chairman)

*'''[[Kevin Rose]]''' (executive producer, host)

*'''[[Dan Huard]]''' (producer, host)

*'''Keith Harrison''' (director, cameraman, editor)

*'''Ron Gorodetzky''' (director of technology)

On October 4, 2013, [[Discovery Channel|Discovery]] launched an animal-based sister-site called [[Animalist]]. It produces original shows about animals, aimed at viewers of Discovery's [[Animal Planet]].

Rose left his job as a host of the G4 series ''[[Attack of the Show]]'' (formerly ''[[The Screen Savers]]'') on [[May 27]], [[2005]] to work full time for Revision3 Studios.

===Production and distribution===

==''thebroken''==

Many of the shows are produced and owned by Discovery Digital Networks however some of DDN's shows are produced independently. DDN handles the distribution and marketing aspects of these external shows, but does not produce the content. In February 2008 DDN completed work on its own [[Television studio|studio]] where their own shows are recorded.

[[Image:thebroken.gif|right|200px]]

[[Image:thebroken.jpg|thumb|200px|Kevin Rose and Dan Huard host ''thebroken'']]

:''Main article: [[thebroken]]''

The shows have been distributed through a wide range of platforms and distribution partners, including [[Virgin America]]'s [[In-flight entertainment|in-flight entertainment system]], [[CNET TV (online)|CNET TV]], [[iTunes]], [[Discovery.com]], [[BitTorrent (protocol)|BitTorrent]], [[YouTube]], PyroTV, [[Miro (software)|Miro]], [[TiVo]], [[Zune]], [[iOS|Apple devices]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. The shows have also been distributed in wide variety of [[Video codec|formats]], including [[QuickTime]], [[Windows Media Video]], [[Theora]], [[WebM]] and [[Xvid]]. An embeddable [[Adobe Flash|Flash]]/[[HTML5]] player is also available. In September 2011, Revision3 programming began to air on [[cable television]] on the rebranded YouToo TV, the former [[American Life Network]], which ended after the sale to Discovery Communications. In September 2012, DDN partnered with YouTube to create TechFeed, an original channel about technology made by DDN, featuring existing hosts.<ref name="revision1">{{Cite web |url=http://revision3.com/blog/2012/10/08/revision3-launches-tech-feed/ |title=Revision3 > Blog > Revision3 Launches Tech Feed |access-date=2013-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507190338/http://revision3.com/blog/2012/10/08/revision3-launches-tech-feed/ |archive-date=2013-05-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2013, the company launched an official DDN Xbox 360 app for Xbox Live Gold members.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://revision3.com/blog/2013/03/26/revision3-xbox-360-live-app-out-now/ |title=Revision3 > Blog > Revision3 Xbox 360 LIVE App Out Now! |access-date=2013-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329021725/http://revision3.com/blog/2013/03/26/revision3-xbox-360-live-app-out-now/ |archive-date=2013-03-29 }}</ref>

'''''thebroken''''' is an online [[videozine]], focusing on [[software cracking]], [[Security cracking|computer intrusion]], and other "questionable activities". It is hosted by [[Kevin Rose]] and [[Dan Huard]], with [[Ramzi]] as a regular comical feature, and geared toward anyone interested in [[computer security]]. Each twenty to thirty-minute episode focuses on several subjects, and is available solely online in [[DivX]] format. The hosts request that you share the show over [[p2p|peer-to-peer networks]], such as [[Kazaa]] or [[BitTorrent]], as a means of distribution.

==Networks==

According to its introduction, ''thebroken'' is "a little shady, a little underground." It features advice on breaking [[WEP|wireless encryption]], [[password cracking|cracking]] windows [[password]]s, and [[modding]] gaming consoles such as the [[Xbox]], [[PlayStation 2]], and [[GameCube]]. The show also demonstrates [[Social engineering (computer security)|social engineering]] and various methods of [[Copyright infringement of software|piracy]]. The third episode featured an interview with [[Kevin Mitnick]] about his time spent in prison for [[computer crime]]s.

===Revision3===

{{main|Revision3}}

Revision3 is the consumer review and miscellaneous network launched in 2005, as well as being the company name from 2005 to 2013. The network has primarily technology-based shows hosted and produced by Patrick Norton, and gaming shows hosted and produced by [[Adam Sessler]]. The network is known for creating personalities which consumers can trust buying advice from. The network also creates and hosts comedic, political, DIY and movie-related content. The name refers to the revisioning of video programming, according to founders [[Jay Adelson]], [[Kevin Rose]] and [[David Prager]]. The first revision was [[cable television]], adding general interest channels, catering to the “most common denominator”. The second revision was PC-based Internet video, independent films, no business model, no loyalty, no audience. The third revision or Revision3 is TV and Internet converged. iPods, TiVo, mobile, broadband enable mass, loyal audience to shift to on-demand, niche content.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/micro-markets/?p=475 |title=Kevin Rose: 'kill your television' and join me at Revision3 |first=Donna |last=Bogatin |date=2006-09-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016010607/http://blogs.zdnet.com/micro-markets/?p=475 |archive-date=2009-10-16 }}</ref>

===DeFranco Networks===

The show has been met with many criticisms by [[technology]] gurus on the [[Internet]] who believe it to be a training portal for "[[script kiddie]]s".

{{main|Philip DeFranco}}

In 2013, DDN acquired the company set up by [[Philip DeFranco]], DeFranco Creative.<ref name="variety.com">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/discoverys-revision3-snaps-up-phil-defrancos-youtube-network-1200489614/|title = Discovery's Revision3 Snaps up Phil DeFranco's YouTube Network|date = 30 May 2013}}</ref> A new subsidiary was formed under DDN called DeFranco Networks and Merchandise, which he will now completely operate under as Senior VP. This set up 2 individual subsidiaries of under DeFranco Networks: [[SourceFed]], a daily pop-culture news and comedy show, and For Human Peoples, DeFranco's storefront turned feel-good channel with unique content. These networks are all hosted under DDN.

==''Systm''=TestTube===

{{main|TestTube}}

[[Image:Systm.gif|right]]

TestTube is the education and documentary network launched in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://corporate.discovery.com/blog/2013/05/23/revision3-launches-new-digital-network-testtube/|title = Revision3 Launches New Digital Network: TestTube – Discovery, Inc| date=2024 }}</ref> The network was created to appeal to fans of [[Discovery Channel]] properties, even including their own talent and formats. It is most well known for its short science-based shows such as DNews, based on the Discovery News website, How Stuff Works content and Hard Science, the experimental education show. The network also produces documentary and inspirational content.

'''''Systm''''' is a videozine geared toward “the common geek”, also hosted by Rose and Huard. Each 10-15 minute episode focuses on a single topic. In the first episode, the hosts designed and built a portable “war-spying box” to intercept and view signals from unencrypted wireless [[X10]] cameras. They have also shown how to build a [[TiVo]]-like device using the [[open source]] program [[MythTV]].

===Animalist===

''Systm'' is distributed over [[BitTorrent]] in a variety of formats, including [[XviD]], [[Windows Media Video]], [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]], and [[Ogg]] [[Theora]].

{{main|Animalist}}

Animalist is an animal-based network that launched in late 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/discovery-unleashes-cute-and-scary-animal-videos-channel-on-youtube-elsewhere-1200694484/|title = Discovery Unleashes Cute (And Scary) Animal Videos Channel on YouTube, Elsewhere|date = 4 October 2013}}</ref> The network handles shows for famous animals such as [[Lil Bub]], produces educational shows on animals and also produces helpful content for pet owners. It closely mirrors programming formats on Discovery's [[Animal Planet]]. Their daily show, Animalist News, is hosted by Amberly Gochoel, Catie Wayne, and Alex Farnham.

==''Diggnation''=Rev3Games===

{{main|Rev3Games}}

:''Main article: [[Diggnation]]''

Rev3Games is a Revision3 [[streaming television]] channel with shows about video games. The channel launched on March 13, 2012. Adam Sessler was the editor-in-chief and executive producer of Rev3Games until April 2014.

===Seeker===

'''''Diggnation''''' is a weekly podcast hosted by [[Kevin Rose]] and [[Alex Albrecht]]. Its main purpose is to discuss the top stories from [[Digg]], the social bookmarking website developed by Rose. Revision3 Studios also hosts video versions of the podcasts, also known as [[videocast|videocasts]].

{{main|Seeker (media company)}}

Seeker is a digital network dedicated to the spirit of adventure and pursuit of wonder. It has a channel called Seeker Daily that uploads a new video every day, 5 days a week, about information related to our world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/user/TestTubeNetwork|title=NowThis World - YouTube|website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> The network launched on March 3, 2014.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160622050544/http://in.reuters.com/article/discovery-digital-idINKBN0LZ1MT20150303 Reuters]</ref>

==See also==

* [[Digg]]

*''[[This Week in Tech]]''

* [[TechTV]]

* [[TWiT.tv]]

* [[Multi Channel Network]]

* [[List of YouTube personalities]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links==

* {{Official website|http://www.discoverydn.com}}

*[http://www.revision3.com/ Revision3 Studios official website]

*[http://www.thebroken.org/ ''thebroken'' official website]

{{Revision3}}

*[http://www.revision3.com/systm/ ''Systm'' official website]

{{Discovery Communications}}

*[http://www.danhuard.com/ Dan Huard's blog]

*[http://www.kevinrose.com/ Kevin Rose's blog]

[[Category:Internet television channels]]

*[http://www.digg.com/ Digg]

[[Category:Revision3|*]]

*[http://www.digg.com/users/diggnation ''Diggnation'''s "dug stories"]

[[Category:Privately held companies based in California]]

*[http://www.digg.com/users/kevinrose Kevin Rose's "dug stories"]

[[Category:Multi-channel networks]]

*[http://www.digg.com/users/alexalbrecht Alex Albrecht's "dug stories"]

[[Category:Former Discovery, Inc. subsidiaries]]