Telewest Launches Interactive TV Service

Telewest Broadband is launching an “enhanced” interactive TV service to coincide with this summer’s World Cup and Channel 4’s Big Brother.

The service, which is similar to that already available to Sky Digital viewers, has been developed in conjunction with BBCi and Channel 4 and allows Telewest Broadband’s digital customers to access interactive content direct from selected TV programmes.

During the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup Telewest customers will have access to a number of new interactive features, including a choice of video streams and the ability to listen the usual commentary, the crowd or Radio 5 Live.

Viewers watching Big Brother on Channel 4 and E4 will also be able to choose from two different streams of live footage and will be able to vote to evict a housemate by pressing the red button on their remote control.

Telewest Broadband’s sales and marketing director, David Hobday, said: “Broadband TV is bursting with things to do and gets viewers closer to the action at live events. Unlike Sky Digital it doesn’t tie up your telephone line.”

He added: “The new TV functions are powered by the Liberate TV platform and Two Way TV software through Telewest’s broadband network and set-top boxes. The software is downloaded automatically to customer’s equipment, without any need for an engineer to call.”

Telewest has also announced that Microsoft has withdrawn its three non-executive directors from the board of the company ahead of a possible debt-for-equity swap that could reduce the value of any shareholding in Telewest.

Telewest Broadband: 0800 953 5383 www.telewest.co.uk

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