What is Auction Network?
Auction Network is the first 24 hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week, broadband network solely dedicated to auctions. Auction Network provides a fast-paced, interactive, highly entertaining programming environment where viewers are entertained and buyers meet sellers and celebrate the sport and competitive spirit of auctions.

The network provides evergreen, live auction and interactive programming 24/7 via an internet-delivered television channel that includes both a full-time, real-time feed of set-schedule programming as well as additional content on demand, and consumer interfaces with auctions and auction companies allowing them to become aware of auctions around the world and to buy online, on location or via mobile device. The interactive environment allows users to watch others bid live or join live auction bidding interactively wherever they are.

Auction Network brings you a front row seat at the world's finest auctions. Bid on exclusive auction merchandise without leaving home. Interactive auctions on Auction Network make it easy to view items, place bids, and win, even if the auction is on the other side of the world. Take part via the Internet or mobile phone. You're in it, just like those in attendance.

You can also bid on Items from your favorite stars. Celebrities and auctions go hand-in-hand, and Auction Network brings the red carpet right to your door. Watch as autographed portraits of stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Jack Nicholson go on the block. Take a front row seat for an auction of celebrity-designed guitars in London. Bid in real time as Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne sell items from their Beverly Hills home to fight cancer. Or own personal mementos from departed legends like Freddy Mercury or John Wayne.

Auction Network allows you to travel to the world's best auction locales. Bidders who seek out rare vintages in the Cape Winelands of South Africa or magnificent horses in the Kentucky bluegrass see more than just the auctioneer's podium--they immerse themselves in travel experiences that suit their exclusive tastes. With Auction Network, so can you. Special programs highlight the food, fashions, and fun that surround auctions in the world's most fascinating places.

You will meet Auction Network's host - Tava Smiley. Fans of General Hospital, the E! Network, and HGTV's I Want That! Kitchens know Tava Smiley's warmth and energy. On Auction Network, Tava is your guide to the world of exclusive auctions, and hosts short segments called "Tava's Tips" that explore the history of auctions, auction rules, and more.

Is Auction Network available on television?
Auction Network is currently only available through broadband distribution at www.auctionnetwork.tv. However, our plans call for expansion to cable and satellite in 2008.

Does it cost to use Auctionnetwork.tv?
No. There are no fees to watch any of the programming or observe any of the live auctions. Only if you decide to participate in a live auction as a bidder will you be asked to register with a valid form of payment. And only if you are the high bidder will you be charged for the items you have purchased.

What kind of programming is available on Auction Network?
The Network will launch providing evergreen, live auction and interactive programming 24/7 initially via an internet-delivered television channel that includes both a full-time, real-time feed of set-schedule programming as well as additional content on demand, an interactive gaming component and consumer interfaces with auctions and auction companies allowing them to become aware of auctions around the world and to buy on line, on location or via IVR hand sets. The interactive environment allows users to watch others bid live or join live auction bidding interactively wherever they are, including via the internet and voice response technology over mobile devices.

How to I participate in an auction?
Bidding on an auction is simple. First, go to www.auctionnetwork.tv and become a member by clicking on the Join button. Membership is free and allows you access to areas of the sites for members only. Among those is the live bidding feature enabled for most of our live broadcast auctions. To register for an auction, simply select the orange Upcoming Live Auctions button from the main page. You'll be taken to a list of the upcoming scheduled live auctions. Select the register button for the auction of interest and follow the simple registration prompts. If you happen to be watching a live auction in process but are not registered to bid, you can also select the orange Bid Now button on the main page.

Is Auction Network produced by the National Auctioneers Association?
No. Auction Network is produced by a veteran team of network programming executives who are employed by Auction Network. The NAA is an exclusive partner and will provide a variety of services to Auction Network. In return, AN has a commitment to help raise awareness about and strengthen membership in NAA.

What kinds of auctions will be shown on Auction Network?
Antique jewelry, cars, dolls, and sports memorabilia ...Auction Network will feature items that people like at a variety of price points. Watch for thoroughbred horse auctions, which command millions of dollars for a single horse, as well as lots of items that are affordable to almost anyone, such as music collections or kitchen equipment. We'll auction vacations, homes, fine art, wine, toy soldiers, historical artifacts, speedboats and even rock star legend autographed guitars ... the genres are virtually endless.

When can I get Auction Network programming through my cable provider?
Auction Network has plans to be distributed by cable and satellite providers in 2008. The decisions to distribute the service are made by cable and satellite operators individually. So, access to Auction Network over cable or satellite largely depends on your geographic location as well as who your cable or satellite provider is.

When the network switches to cable TV, will it still have the interactive bidding component?
Yes. Interactive bidding is a key component of the service on all platforms.

Are other viewers selling things on TV or are the auctions pre-selected?
Auction Network is not a traditional online auction experience. So, we are not a marketplace for individual sellers to establish and mange auctions nor are we a shopping channel. The Auction network partners with some of the most respected and established auction houses in the country to bring the fun and excitement of auction to our viewers, while extending our viewers the opportunity to bid on live auctions just as if they were in attendance.

Will the experience really be like I am there in person?
Yes. As much as is possible, watching and bidding on a live auction via Auction Network will be like you are attending in person. We've partnered with leaders in media and technology to bring users a broadband experience like none other. Of course, as in any Internet activity your experience depends on your personal computer equipment and internet connectivity. The Auction Network experience is optimized for broadband (hi-speed internet) users.

Will every auction be live and interactive?
Auction Network will offer a combination of taped and live interactive programming that brings to viewers living rooms not only unique auctions from across the globe but behind-the-scenes stories about the auction world, interviews with collectors and features on compelling and unique items or product genres.

How long does a typical auction last? Will I have to sit at my computer throughout the whole auction to wait for my item to come up?
Auction durations will vary. Auction Network programming will cover many aspects of a particular auction so a program covering a classic movie poster auction might last for a full hour, for instance. However, actual bidding on individual items typically goes quickly. So, you'll need to be prepared and ready to bid while the item(s) you are interested in are up for bid. Additionally, in advance of the auction you can search for the item of interest using the search function. And, if you are an Auction Network member (membership is free) and are registered for that auction you can leave an absentee bid.

What if there are technical difficulties (slow connection, computer issues), that cause me to miss my chance to bid?
First, Auction Network is best experienced through a high-speed (broadband) internet connection, such as cable modem, DSL, or an enterprise level connection found in most business environments (not that we're encouraging use of the Auction Network at work, wink-wink). To maximize the user experience it's probably best to have all other applications shut-down while viewing and/or bidding. While we have taken every possible step to make sure that competitive bidding between bidders attending live and remote bidders is on a level playing field, we cannot be responsible for any problems that may preclude you from being able to bid in an auction or on a particular item. If you experience problems, please immediately report the issue to our technical services group.

If I am the highest-bidder, how can I be assured I'll receive the item?
Auction Network will only partner with respected, proven and reliable auction houses that have a clean track record of customer satisfaction and reliable fulfillment. We closely monitor our partners' performance, and take seriously and follow up on any complaints with fulfillment. If you experience such a problem, please send a note with all details to our general information mail box on our contact form.

My mobile phone or other PDA can access Internet sites. Will I be able to view Auction Network and bid on items using that mobile access?
The Auction Network product roadmap includes supporting, viewing, bidding and other forms of interactivity on mobile devices. You should see this type of functionality beginning in early 2008.

Where is Auction Network's studio/where is Auction Network based?
Auction Network is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is where the members of the core executive team previously worked for and operated TV Guide's television business, which was also formerly based in Tulsa. Tulsa has a broad base of television and interactive media talent as well as healthy infrastructure, both spurred by the strong telecommunications economy that has characterized the region for the past 20 years.

What is the NAA?
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) represents the interests of almost 6,000 auctioneers in the United States, Canada and across the world. Founded in 1949, the mission of the NAA is to promote the auction method of marketing and enhancing the professionalism of its members through education and technology. In 2006, the auction industry grew by 7.1% with over $257 billion in goods and services sold.