Tandberg Television–the company which over the past year or so has purchased VOD infrastructure provider, N2 Broadband, interactive TV technology and services provider, GoldPocket Interactive, IPTV content delivery company, SkyStream Networks, and Internet video company, Zetools–has developed a two-screen Web-based interactive TV application for Canadian sports channel, TSN. The TSN Interactive application, which is sponsored by brewing company, Molson (note: Molson’s branding appears throughout the app), and which accompanies TSN’s coverage of the Canadian Football League, launched September 8th. When viewers enter the app, they first choose a team to support in the game; then, they gain or lose points, as their team scores or is penalized. According to Tandberg, tying the individual viewer’s score to the team "enhances the viewer’s investment in the game and encourages rivalries among interactive players." As events unfold on-air, the app also presents viewers with facts and figures about the players. Other features of the new app include chat rooms, polls and trivia questions. Viewers can also wager percentages of their scores on predictions throughout the game, and can take part in two football mini-games devoted to field goal kicking and quarterback passing plays respectively. "TSN Interactive is a great example of how networks can incorporate interactivity into programming that dramatically enhances the television experience," Tandberg president and CEO, Eric Cooney, said in a prepared statement. "Viewers are already multi-tasking while viewing sports, often comparing online stats while watching the game on TV. This application will provide sports fans with a fully immersive and interactive environment to leverage that interest and engage them more deeply in the broadcast."
Originally Published: September 27, 2006 in [itvt] Issue 6.96 Part 3
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