Upfronts: CBS gets some major tech support

CBS has cozied up to the web heads behind "Lonelygirl15" and the popular Brit web serial "KateModern" to handle the online bells and whistles for its network programs.

The agreement calls for CBS to get a first-look peek at concepts developed by L.A.- and London-based Eqal. Eye and its new online friend are promising that Eqal's creatives will work closely with CBS' scribes and helmers to develop online narratives that tie in directly with the series ongoing storylines.

CBS must've been mightily impressed with Eqal's capabilities because under the deal, Eqal will "build and provide the entire technology infrastructure to host the online show components." That seems like a significant chunk of business to hand over to an outside company, but I suppose if they can do a better job, why not.

Maybe Eqal can help CBS to get its online vid player stop freezing up every few seconds when you're trying to web-stream an episode. It really screws up the timing on "The Big Bang Theory," that's for sure.