Meredith unveils broadband network with Better.tv

Publishing company Meredith Corp. has launched its first broadband network with Better.tv, which offers video content and programming from Meredith's portfolio of magazines, television stations, books, Web sites and live events.

Better.tv features more than 20 channels of video about food, family, home, style, remodeling, entertainment, relationships, fitness and health. Videos are between two and 30 minutes long.

The site allows consumers tools to customize and share their own user-generated content.

Meredith's in-house production unit Meredith Video Solutions creates the original programming at studios in New York, Des Moines, IA, and Portland, OR. Better.tv will also film on location.

One video includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Family Circle Cup women's tennis tournament and features profiles and interviews with top players.

Better.tv is also available on BHG.com, the Better Homes & Garden's Web site. BHG.com is relaunching this month with its own Web 2.0 features, including video, "recipe wikis" and blogs from 25 contributing editors.

Meredith's Web sites reach more than 10 million users a month.

Brightcove, a provider of technology for broadband media, will support the customized technology for Better.tv.