As adult entertainment companies seek additional — or even transitional — revenue streams, many firmly entrenched in video content on DVD and Blu-ray are looking at making the move to increase Internet business. Industry stalwart Zero Tolerance recently increased its Web presence by launching new sites, while planning more additions in the future.
"We are working diligently on creating a wide variety of niche sites that should satisfy most everyone’s needs," said Clement P., director of Web operations. "If someone is looking for a tattooed blonde giving a blow job outdoors — we will make it easy for them to access those scenes. Our goal is to make our customer’s online experience as pleasant as possible."
Focusing on high-definition offerings, ZT recently launched BlackIcePass.com featuring Black/interracial content from Black Ice Limited Studios, as well as pushing its flagship site, ZTOD.com, spotlighting Zero Tolerance Entertainment scenes, plus ThirdMovies.com, which showcases new footage from 3rd Degree, starring veteran, even legendary, porn stars.
"It’s really important to point out that not all HD is the same thing. So many sites these days say HD on their tour and they don’t even really understand what it means," Clement P. told AVN Online. "For example, a poorly lit room and older equipment used to shoot a no-name actress for what ends up being a video offered as a large-file format size is not really “high definition” even though they try to make the claim.
"We’re also making great strides in ensuring that the quality of our online material is superior to our competitors’ and most importantly — tube sites," he added. "The difference in quality will be discernible, giving the customer motivation to visit our site. Again, whether we’re talking about the type of content offered online or the quality of the material, our philosophy has always been — and will always be — we must continue to go that extra mile to satisfy our customers’ needs."
ZT's online division has been working to convert trailers and content into HD, as well as placing material into a greater number of categories. The company also sees some of the most popular content as star-driven, from contemporary performers on ZTOD.com to legendary names still at it on ThirdMovies.com.
"We recognize that these performers maintain huge — extremely loyal — followings," Clement P. said. "Our goal is to be recognized as the destination point for people searching for quality material of the biggest names in adult. For instance, we’re currently shooting Dyanna Lauren and have recently shot such world-renowned performers as Amber Lynn, Debi Diamond, Lisa Ann, Brittany O’Connell, and Tabitha Stevens. This is a trend that will definitely continue."
The company is taking the same track for niche sites such as the new BlackIcePass.com.
"We’d like Black Ice’s site to be recognized as 'the' destination point for the fan seeking the highest-quality Black-themed material," he said. "Obviously, having the largest HD library of Black and interracial material on the Web will be a huge factor."
More sites are planned, but not in the immediate future, as ZT focuses on this trio of key sites for now.
"We believe we now have the best three HD studio porn sites, and members of our network get full access to all three," Clement P. told AVN Online. "Improving each site, frequently updating the network, and providing the kind of continued evolution our consumers and affiliates have come to expect from us is now our top priority. Once they are completely satisfied with the three sites we do have, that’s when we will start to consider adding a fourth new one."
"On the paysite side of things, we publish exclusive videos on BlackIcePass.com and the other networked sites, which members can see for the first time anywhere," said Clement P. "They get the hottest new performances before they go out on DVDs, before they can be found in adult video stores, and that sneak-peek exclusivity is something they have told us they appreciate in hundreds of feedback e-mails."
Quality is the byword for ZT's approach in delivering customers satisfaction and increasing traffic for affiliates.
"BlackIcePass and the networked sites are filmed by professionals who use studio-quality lighting, the best equipment, and brand-name porn stars to create a truly high-definition visual experience for our customers," said Clement P. "Even our sound is noticeably higher quality than most other adult sites. We offer several formats for fans, so no matter what their connection speed is, they will always find the perfect speed-to-quality ratio they are seeking."
ZT also has developed its own custom Flash video player.
"It does not require any downloading by the customer and it really is the next-generation technology," Clement P. said. “Viewers can watch movies with virtually no hesitation or skipping when a fan jumps around within a specific scene, and the player also offers several new features designed to allow the porn fan to watch our content the way they want to while still having access to as much or as little scene information as they would like to see while viewing it.
"BlackIcePass and our other sites are designed to provide the highest quality with the least effort," he added. "Everything from the movie to the player is carefully crafted to give you the absolute best viewing experience possible."
This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of AVN Online. To subscribe, visit AVNMediaNetwork.com/subscribe.
