The idea of having a proprietary television network first came about in the fall of 1997 and was the brainchild of AAP s programming partner, RMS Networks in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a company that programs retail television networks for chains such as Blockbuster Video and Planet Hollywood. In April 1999, the first network debuted in a Baltimore store. Currently 1,000 stores carry the programming, and all 1,600 stores across 38 states are scheduled to carry the network broadcasts by late spring. Atlanta-based Convergent Media Systems installed the system and provides the satellite service. Typically, a trio of television monitors is placed behind the parts counter.
All stores show the same programming simultaneously as part of a single-line satellite feed.
Each broadcast loop is two hours long, with a new 30-minute segment added each week. POP On TV Commercials are produced by the advertisers, who are not restricted to auto parts manufacturers. Fisher estimates that more than 100 parts suppliers have advertised over the network since its inception, with as many as 20 represented on a given two-hour loop. Who in the automotive business and include Havelin, Texaco, Framm, Prestone, Purolator and Castrol, as well as a public service announcement for the United Way. Most of the feature programs purchased from CNN and ESPN are exclusive to AAP and have not been broadcast over commercial airwaves.