A new playmate

There are those who believe that the internet is nothing more than a place where over-excited pre-teens can satisfy their prurient curiosity, and cable-and-internet provider Aster has just given them more fodder for their argument.

Aster, one of the largest providers of telecommunications services, has launched a pilot program in Warsaw and its environs to deliver television via the internet, and the first channel Aster has made available is Playboy TV - a channel owned by Playboy, the famous publisher of pornographic - err, men's lifestyle - magazines.

The service is the first of its kind in Poland, and allows Aster clients to access a television channel using a computer connected to the world wide web. The channel's TV signal is transformed into an IP transmission, and then passed through Aster's internet network to all of its subscribers.

According to a press statement, Playboy TV's programs aren't just for the lascivious. The channel offers: "top quality, sophisticated entertainment targeted to adults. Its programming consists of original Playboy-produced movies, specials, series and live events, as well as acquired programs and adult films from around the world."

However, the channel is still keeping a low profile. It transmits daily from 9:00 pm to 5:30 am.

If your computer screen is already fogging up at the thought of Playboy Bunnies dancing across your desktop, you might want to take a cold shower, as the service comes on a pay-per-night basis. Monthly subscribers to Aster's TwojDom, TwojSwiat and Twoja Firma packages in the Warsaw area can purchase the service through the Aster website, and a password is necessary to access the channel.

Still interested in seeing the centerfolds on screen? You dirty dog. Find more information at www.aster.pl, and don't forget to erase your browser's history folder when you're finished.