The History Channel Web Site and Content Management System

Launch Site

Client Introduction

The History Channel is Australia's only television channel purely dedicated to history, bringing the power and passion of the past to life. It not only satisfies Australia's ever-growing demand for historical programming - it stimulates our curiosity to know more about our world.

Project Overview

Switch I.T. was contracted by The History Channel to create the first version of their online presence. As per the client brief, the aesthetics of the site needed to be attractive, easy to use and highly consistent with The History Channel brand.

In close consultation with The History Channel staff, the structure and functionality of the site was developed to provide comprehensive programming information as well as an array of value added features. Some of the more popular features of the site include:

• This Day In History
  This section highlights a famous event that happened that very day in our history. This section now features famous events for every day of the year.
  
  
• Interactive TV Guide
  Switch I.T. built a custom import system allowing Channel staff to simply browse to the location of a new programming file (generated by Foxtels' Columbine system) and with the click of a button the entire month's programming is imported into the web site's database.
  
  
• Upcoming Highlights
  Channel staff can now highlight any special events coming up on the channel. This continually updated section features a complete description of the highlight along with an image, and is displayed on most pages throughout the site.
  
  
• Games
  A number of history related games were also integrated into the web site. This included 2 great Flash games and one downloadable game that viewers can play on their own system.
  
  
• Screensaver and Wallpapers
  Switch I.T. also included a cross platform screensaver and 8 hi-resolution wallpapers featuring famous events from our history.
  
  
• Education Corner
  To compliment their programming, The History Channel has developed a number of teacher guides in associated with the Australian History Teacher's Association. Channel staff can now upload teacher guides to the web site via the Content Management System.
  
  
• History Gig Guide
  To keep viewers informed about any upcoming history related events, Switch I.T. developed a 'History in Your Area' section, allowing channel staff to post any museum and history related events on the web site.
  
  

Technologies
Client Side	HTML, DHTML, JavaScript
Server Side	C#, XML
Database	SQL Server 2000
Platform/OS	IIS, Windows 2000
Switch I.T. Components
Content Management	SwitchBack CMS