Split Second Auctions live broadcasts officially launches on May 1st. The site uses advanced broadcast technology in which to add a unique feel and personalized touch to the online auction experience. Bloggers (and press) were invited to preview one hour broadcasts today. The overall experience was nothing less than amazing and exciting (as claimed by the founders of the company). The company plans to activate all of its channel offerings, as its daily audience grows.

The site is colorful and gaining popularity quickly. The host of the Jewelry Show is rather entertaining and it seems that no topic is off-limits. Thursday's program line-up includes a program entitled, "The Bo & Gregg Show" in which the hosts will discuss, antiques, jewelry, travel and the eBay boycott. The scheduled start time of "The Bo & Gregg Show" is 3:00 P.M. (eastern standard time) on Thursday.

As for the quality and sound of the live streaming broadcast, it would appear as though this site has all its duck in a row (or as many as could be expected). The video had high definition quality and the audio portion of the broadcast was fine. The hosts will do what they call "shout outs" which are welcome messages to those logging into the broadcast. They also offer special "thank you" messages throughout the broadcast to those who register during the telecast. While the "shout out" and "thank you" messages can dominate a portion of each broadcast, the message is clear - Split Second Auctions is pulling out all the stops to gain a worldwide audience.

Today, the site offered up a contest, which was rather entertaining. The host held up an item (have no idea what it is) and offered a free strand of Akoya Pearls (with a 14KT. gold clasp) for the first person who sent an email taking a guess at what the item might be. The item was shaped liked a violin or very small guitar case, however, the host informed viewers that it was a neither a guitar or violin. I thought I knew what it was after doing a few searches on Google and sent in my email. I waited patiently to see if I guessed right, however, within a few hours of the end of the broadcast, I received an email informing me that my guess was wrong. The email did set me up to come back on Thursday at 3:00 P.M. as the host is going to open the case on the air. 

What's appealing about this site is the cozy feeling you get when someone is coming into your home through the computer and not the TV. There are no commercials during the live telecasts and I think that's a pretty wise choice. One minute you're laughing at a few jokes - the next - you're given the grand tour of items for sale on the web site's front page.

They also came up with one of the best uses of an advertising page I've seen in a very long time, they embedded their broadcast viewer in the center of at approximately fifty advertisers, on two separate pages. One page focuses on a Click to Shop theme and the other page is reserved for Featured Stores. The host guides his audience into either page and starts pitching the advertisers by pointing left, right, top or bottom. There's some comedy in all of this somewhere (one ad was for Bowtrol, an anti-constipation treatment. The host had me rolling on the floor with his witty remarks). 

Is it kind of hokey at times? Sure, but it's fun and exciting. You never seem to know what direction the programs will go in. The hosts will begin talking about a series of item offerings on the homepage and then switch the topic to world events. By the number of "shout outs" that were offered today, I'd say that Split Second Auctions just may have been welcomed into many homes across the globe.