UKTV Revamps Interactive Scheduling Services
Cable and satellite entertainment giant UKTV is preparing to update its interactive channel guide, allowing viewers to search programme listings and receive text alerts to their mobile phone when a programme is about to begin.
The new service is being created in partnership with the Digital Interactive Television Group and Broadsystem, forming an extension of UKTV’s current ‘now and next’ programme listings service. The updated service will provide detailed schedule information up to six hours ahead and allow viewers to search for programmes by keywords.
Those using the new service will be charged 15p per minute as the system uses customers’ Sky boxes to connect to the internet while searching listings. The ability to set up a text message reminder is being provided by Broadsystem.
Commenting on the new venture Paul Robinson, UKTV’s editor of digital services explained: “Two of our key objectives at UKTV are offering choice to our viewers and demonstrating innovation. The latest developments to our red button service clearly demonstrate both. We are confident the services will become an invaluable tool when our viewers are choosing what to watch.”
Neil MacDonald, managing director of DITG, added: “We are increasingly able to harness ever-advancing innovation and creativity to traditional television. UKTV has provided its audience with a service that enhances its viewing experience and therefore builds loyalty to its channels.”
UKTV is jointly owned by BBC Worldwide and Flextech Television, the content creation arm of Telewest, operating nine channels available through cable and satellite services and, most recently, via the Top Up TV digital terrestrial service.
Earlier this year UKTV announced the launch two new channels following the closure of its factual programme channel UK Horizons. The creation of UK People and UK Documentary on 8 March elevated the company’s credentials, making it Britain’s second biggest supplier of cable and satellite services (see UKTV To Launch Channels And Reduce Commercial Breaks).
UKTV: 0207 299 6200 www.uktv.co.uk
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