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Helping Business Weather the Storm

Discovery Storm Chasers Series Features WDT iMapTracker Technology

by Daphne Thompson, on Nov 2, 2009 8:42:01 AM

Streaming videos captured by storm chasers from the field showcase dramatic footage.

Norman, OK. November 2, 2009 - Entering its third smash hit season, the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers series which premiered earlier this month and is airing on Sundays at 10 PM (EP/PT), has a new twist this year. Live streams of tornado videos, which will be relayed onto a special iMap interactive weather map on http://discovery.com allows fans of Storm Chasers to follow every move of the chasers team as they battle with Mother Nature.

The live video footage, made possible through storm chasing vehicles equipped with GPS devices and video cameras linked to the Internet, features the real-time adventures of Reed Timmer and Sean Casey from Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers.

Viewers will be able to track their locations, as well as other first class chasers, while also getting up-to-the-minute weather information through Weather Decision Technologies (WDT)'s proprietary iMapTracker application running on the industry-leading iMap interactive weather map.

The iMap will be featured in the show to help tell the story, showing chaser locations on the map as each episode unfolds, as well as radar storm data. Reed Timmer's and other chasers' personal video clips will be posted directly to the Discovery Channel's iMap, including unique footage that will not be seen on the Storm Chasers show.

The iMapTracker on iMap was created by leading weather company WDT to allow users to follow and explore severe weather and tornadic activity across the United States, by tracking chaser vehicles from TornadoVideos.net (TVN). TVN includes some of the country's best and most experienced storm chasers. Last year, Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. (WDT) joined forces to stream tornado and other extreme weather event videos to audiences worldwide.

TornadoVideos.net (TVN) deploys a close network of storm observers who drive to severe storms, hurricanes, winter or ice storms, and other visually intense weather conditions to document breaking news and live weather events on video. TVN has gained national media attention by virtue of its just-in-time and live high quality video, and the regular series of interviews it conducts after capturing severe weather event video footage.

"iMap and iMapTracker are terrific additions to the Storm Chasers show," said Kirk Denkler, Interactive Executive Producer for Discovery Channel. "The interactive Storm Chaser map allows viewers to track and to stream additional unique embeddedStorm Chasers video content and, during the show, our viewers can locate the chasers, then continue the Storm Chasers experience online, " said Denkler.

"Last year we broadcast the world's first real-time streaming tornado footage live onto a Google map," said Mike Eilts, president and CEO of WDT. "Extreme weather videos are truly addictive viewing, and we are delighted to be working with the Discovery Channel and TVN to supply this gripping online content," said Eilts.

This season, Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle "The Dominator," racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle). New this season is veteran researcher and storm chaser Tim Samaras, whose even keel, steady leadership is in marked contrast to the frenzied atmosphere and roller coaster of emotions inside Timmer and Casey's teams.

On the interactive iMap, viewers can click on the vehicle icons to open a window that displays live video (when available), pictures and vehicle location data from the storm chaser teams in the field. Controls in the upper left hand side of the screen allow viewers to control a range of options, including zoom and view preference. Justin.tv, the largest live video site on the Web, is providing the live streaming technology that will make it possible to view the storm chasing activities as they happen. The application was built using the Google Maps application program interface (API).

About Discovery Channel
DISCOVERY CHANNEL (DSC) is dedicated to creating the highest quality nonfiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which reaches 98.1 million viewers in the U.S., can be seen in over 170 countries, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres, including science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visitwww.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visitwww.discoverycommunications.com. For more information and artwork, please log on to www.press.discovery.com.

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