Editing PigTV (section)

== History ==

=== Establishment ===

PigTV was established in spring 1997 in response to requests from WARPIG readers for greater television coverage of paintball.

The service was developed by WARPIG, an American paintball publication operated by Bill and Dawn Mills.

Its first episode, ''Viva Las Vegas'', documented the combined NPPL and Great Western Series tournaments held in Las Vegas during 1997.

The programme ran for 32 minutes and was distributed over the internet using RealVideo technology.

According to WARPIG's retrospective account, the programme received feedback from a viewer in Finland shortly after its initial release, demonstrating the international reach of internet video distribution.[1]

=== Early internet streaming ===

The earliest PigTV productions were encoded for viewers using 28.8 Kbps dial-up modem connections.

These technical limitations required heavy video compression and low image resolutions.

As internet access improved, PigTV introduced higher-quality video streams suitable for 56 Kbps and later 200 Kbps connections.[1]

The service eventually adopted broadband video delivery using Java and Adobe Flash technology.

Unlike commercially distributed paintball VHS tapes and DVDs, PigTV's online programmes were made available without charge.[1]

=== 1997 Paintball World Cup ===

One of PigTV's earliest major productions documented the [[1997 Paintball World Cup]] in Kissimmee, Florida.

The programme ran for approximately 104 minutes, combining tournament footage with interviews and equipment demonstrations.[2]

Featured subjects included:

* [[Brass Eagle]] and the Rainmaker paintball marker.
* [[Smart Parts]] and the electronic Shocker.
* [[Worr Game Products|KAPP]] equipment and accessories.
* [[Palmer's Pursuit Shop]] and the Blazer.
* [[ViewLoader]] and the Revolution loader.
* [[Traumahead Sportz]] and its tournament video productions.
* Interviews with event organiser [[Jerry Braun]].

The coverage also documented the tournament's closing ceremonies and discussions concerning compressed-air equipment.

The programme was divided into shorter episodes for online viewing.[2][3]

=== Later tournament coverage ===

PigTV continued documenting paintball events throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Its coverage included major professional tournaments, amateur competitions, trade shows and scenario games.

In 2004, WARPIG produced a 30-minute PigTV programme covering the Mardi Gras Open, including competition from the [[National Xball League]] (NXL).[4]