BEIJING, June 30 /PRNewswire/ --

OpenV ( http://www.openv.com ), China's largest Chinese-language Internet TV and Video content provider today announced that it has obtained from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television the License for Publishing Online Audio-Visual Programs (Video License). Industry sources widely believe that the issuance of the Video License will accelerate standardization of the online video industry while promoting healthy market growth.

Since 2005, the online video industry in China has evolved from simple content sharing to providing a more user friendly and high quality viewing experience. The drive to standardize and supervise this industry was highlighted by the Regulations on Administration of Internet-based Audio-Video Program Service jointly issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry. With this Video License OpenV obtained the most comprehensive web-based TV business operation permit covering videos on demand and live broadcast. Analysts predict that unlicensed video websites will have to phase out gradually, as it will be difficult for websites without market entry qualifications to obtain financing. For safety and brand image, many advertisers will stick to the rule of "No License, No Ads", further restricting revenue generation of unlicensed websites.

The year of 2008 is going to be a decisive year for many video websites and it is inevitable that the weak will be weeded out in the face of the dual challenges of obtaining video license and lack of profits. As for the advertisers, the licensing system enhances industrial standardization. Mr. Tian Tao, vice-president of CTR CCTV market research said: "Big advertisers pay close attention to the "green traffic" of licensed professional video websites, as it represents proper copy right content and high quality audience. The Video License is like a safety assurance and quality assurance. If advertisers are satisfied, video websites will benefit from sustainable income stream from advertising."

As for OpenV advertisers, "They can rest assured that contents are copyrighted and that there won't be any surprises that may conflict with and damage their brand image," said Zeng Fuhu, vice-president of content and product operation of OpenV.

In a report earlier this month, China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) said that there are 160 million online video users in China. While the market is booming, the profit is still lacking. With advertising being the lifeline for online video operators and copyright issue being the nightmare for many, authentic and copyrighted content has become the most crucial factor for the success of operators.

"The next stage of competition after getting the license is high-quality and rich contents for users," Zeng said. "The video license is an acknowledgement about our operations and contents, and competitiveness. OpenV is well prepared to take a quantum leap towards the future, bringing a new look for the online video industry."

Since going online in 2006, OpenV has established strategic partnerships with more than 30 mainstream television stations, including CCTV, BTV, SMG, Hunan TV station, laying a solid foundation in having authentic video contents. It has built a library of over 3.6 billion minutes of authentic television programs up to date. At OpenV, users can search more than 578 channels with 3,000 Chinese-language TV programs.

About OpenV

OpenV ( http://www.openv.com ) is China's largest Chinese-language Internet TV and Video content provider, providing personalized and interactive programs on hot topics in high quality. With unique video search technology at its core, OpenV went online in April 2006 with technical support from a British software firm, Autonomy System Ltd.

OpenV has established strategic partnerships with more than 30 mainstream television stations, including CCTV, BTV, SMG, Hunan TV station, laying a solid foundation in video contents. It has built a library of over 3.6 billion minutes of television program up to date. At OpenV, users can search more than 578 channels with 3,000 Chinese-language TV programs. Stable and high-quality videos with a wide range of choices has won the favor from users and advertisers alike. OpenV has dedicated itself to providing users with all the fun of watching high quality TV on the internet, at any time and from any location. It has personalized services such as video on demand, live broadcasting, program subscription and video search. OpenV is committed to becoming the number one destination of video websites for Chinese-language users.

Web site: http://www.openv.com

Bill Cao of OpenV, +86-10-5878-7829, or caoyixin@openv.cn; or Iris Peng of Fleishman-Hillard for OpenV, +86-10-5869-1666 x2706, or iris.peng@fleishman.com