HomeChoice Signs Interactive Content Deal
HomeChoice, the broadband and digital television provider, is to boost the amount of interactive content available to viewers through a new deal with ICTV, owners of a powerful interactive delivery system known as HeadendWare.
The new deal will see HeadendWare technology employed alongside HomeChoice’s proprietary video on demand technology to provide increased interactive services to viewers, including a range of branded games content.
The initial deployment of HeadendWare onto HomeChoice’s network will be for a pilot period with a view to extending the partnership based on its success. The current HomeChoice service offers customers a broadband internet connection and a multi-channel digital television service through one set top box.
The new deal will enable HomeChoice to deliver cost-effective, real-time interactive services, including high-quality audio and full-motion video, to its customers’ digital receivers.
Roger Lynch, chairman and CEO of Video Networks Ltd, owners of HomeChoice, stated: “The real driver of any broadband service is the content that the service can provide. Using the flexible, scalable and proven HeadendWare platform, we can build on our existing product and deliver a whole new array of compelling, next-generation interactive services to our customers quickly and cost effectively.”
Mike McGrail, president and CEO of ICTV, added: “As leaders in the broadband delivery of video, Video Networks Ltd. was the clear first choice when we began exploring customer relationships beyond the traditional cable market. We’re pleased to have met their high standards for video quality and reliability, and look forward to working with them to provide new sources of revenue and new interactive opportunities for their customers.”
Interactive television has seen a flurry of investment recently, with the BBC, Sky and Zip TV all pouring significant amounts of money into both programme-based interactive content and hi-tech interactive advertising solutions.
The BBC recently revealed massive audiences for its interactive coverage of the Olympic Games, drawing nearly nine million viewers with its enhanced red-button service, while Zip TV has signed a number of high-profile broadcasters to its interactive advertising system (see Sky Media Zips Up Interactive Advertising Deal).
Amongst the first channels likely to benefit from HomeChoice’s new interactive content is the recently announced PlayBite channel, an on-demand games channel designed to attract younger audiences to the HomeChoice platform. Video Networks has already revealed plans to develop the channel with interactive games and weblink functionality, allowing customers to receive links to game downloads via email (see HomeChoice Targets Youth Audiences With Games Channel).
HomeChoice: 0800 072 4454 www.homechoice.co.uk
Recent Television Stories from NewsLine Hallmark Launches Campaign To Push Police Dramas Former Five Boss Enters Bidding War For Hallmark Channel Elstein’s ITV Bid Boosted By Hallmark Link
Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive