‘Sharon’ goes live on the Net

The top-rating program Sharon, hosted by Sharon Cuneta, will pioneer a first in TV and local Internet history. On Sunday, the show will be broadcast via the Internet using the technology provided by Bitstop Computers and the Internet hosting facility of Eastern Telecommunications Phils. Inc.

Filipinos all over the world will have a chance to see Sharon Cuneta live during the program via the Internet. This will be a chance particularly for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the different parts of the world to see her.

Stormviz and Bitstop have agreed to do the pilot webcast of the show in time for the actress’ birthday. Bitstop will be using Eastern Telecoms’ server co-location service for this event.

Bitstop Computers is the biggest Internet service provider (ISP) in Northern Luzon while Storm Visualization & Imaging (Stormviz) provides clients such as Cuneta dynamic ways of communicating and sharing their ideas on the Internet.

Bitstop is using the webcasting technology to convert the show into digital format and transmit it over the World Wide Web. Eastern Telecoms is hosting the streaming server in its co-location facilities and has provided the bandwidth to deliver the content to the Internet.

Joevel Rivera, Eastern Telecoms’ Internet business unit head, said, "The webcasting technology exploits the power of the Internet in delivering information wherever and whenever. With the growing popularity of broadband Internet access, very soon, more programs can be shown and seen via the Web."

In addition to webcasting, Bitstop and Eastern Telecoms are also streaming the broadcast of several local radio stations via the Web. This gives listeners their medium of choice for tuning in to their favorite radio program.

Eastern Telecoms provides Internet access to the major ISPs and top corporations in the Philippines. Its Internet network boasts of a fully redundant Internet backbone, riding on a fiber ring technology to ensure the latest in technology and reliable service for its customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.