Vivid Entertainment's Hot and High Quality Adult Networks have hit the top rating spots for pay-per-view and satellite channels.
Entertainment Wire says the Hot Network and the Hot Zone have become the fastest-growing pay-per-view channels in the United States. They're now said to be available in over 21 million verified home addresses.
Hot Networks president Bill Asher says it reflects "our decision to offer customers somewhat racier exotic fare that is not explicit or violent."
Both channels offer exclusive premieres from leading adult entertainment studios, including all the top adult video stars. Asher says the key is no linkage between sex and violence, for the most part.
"People love our programming because it is original and has a realistic and unedited feel," says the former Playboy Enterprises executive. "In fact all of our programming is pre-screened by First Amendment attorneys. Cable system operators trust us because we never put on content that might embarrass our affiliates. The Hot Networks adhere to a strict set of content guidelines and portray only widely accepted sexual activity, never connect violence with sex, and advocate safe sexual practices. But, there's no doubt that it is hot and high quality erotic programming - that's what people want."
The Hot Network is now rated number one among adult PPV channels as a revenue generator, with the Hot Zone number three, ahead of the Spice Network's volume.
Asher says more mainstream acceptance of sexual material helps the Hot success.
"Premium cable channels broadcast very sexy material at night," he says. "The top women's magazines publish articles and photos that were unacceptable a few years ago. We're succeeding by being out in front and taking the next step."
Vivid bought the Hot Network in 1999 and launched the Hot Zone at about the same time. They both reject incest, sadomasochism, forced bondage, bestiality, underage sex, and drug scenes, and prohibit underage viewership.
