Frequently Asked Questions
VIDIOM SYSTEMS FAQs
Q: What is Interactive Television (iTV)?
A: At the simplest level, Interactive Television (iTV) is TV programming combined with interactive content that enhances the viewer experience. To enable true interactivity requires the use of a back channel, which allows the application to communicate with the delivery system. iTV functionality exists in most digital systems in some form or another and permits the viewer to make a request for action or information (beyond just changing the channel) using their remote control. Examples of iTV in today's systems include Video On Demand (VOD) and the Electronic Program Guide (EPG). However, with advances in technology and standards-based platforms iTV is evolving to support more sophisticated applications and interactive content.
Q: What are the typical types of interactive television applications?
A: Interactive Television Applications are software programs loaded on a device (like a set-top box or TV) and viewed using a TV that the user can interact with. The Electronic Program Guide is one of the most common interactive television applications on today's systems. However, with advances in technology and standards-based platforms iTV is evolving to support more sophisticated applications like polling and voting, t-commerce, games video-on-demand, news tickers, and trivia. Some cable and satellite systems offer applications that permit viewers to view and purchase travel packages, research automobiles, search for jobs, research real estate, and play interactive video games.
[Taken from itvdictionary.com] Things you can do with Interactive TV include:
- The program credits could be available anytime during the show instead of only at the beginning and/or end.
- At anytime find out who an actor/actress is that you're watching and more information about him/her.
- At anytime find out the location of a particular scene and information on how it was filmed.
- Get scores, highlights and game summaries whenever you want.
- Customized and localized information (such as news, weather and sports).
- While viewing one program, you can keep abreast of specifics of other TV program(s), including sports.
- Home banking.
- Home shopping.
- Electronic Program Guides/Interactive Program Guides
- Polls/Surveys – Make your vote count during a program (or after) without having to pay for a toll call or log onto a special computer.
- Interactive Game Shows – Play along and/or compete with others.
- Interactive Sports (which can include the ability to watch an event from your choice of camera angles.) You may also have the choice of different audio tracks.
- Local/regional/national weather and traffic.
- Interactive advertising, infomercials, advergaming.
- Videoconferencing.
- Distance learning.
- Interactive betting.
- Answer trivia questions in real time during a TV show – Prove your knowledge and win prizes by answering questions correctly.
- Ability to switch camera angles. (Interactive Multi-Camera-Angle Events, this is most popular for sports).
- Interactive video magazines
- Interactive music selection
- Instant Messaging
- Email
- Other Trivia Games
- Interactive Betting
- Instant Shopping – When you see a product or service you want, buy it or order it immediately.
- Movie tickets
- Pizza from a commercial
- CDs from talk shows and concerts
- Author interviews
Acquire additional information such as:
- Retail locations
- Details on a news story
- Order a brochure or sample
Q: Does iTV mean that I will have the Internet on my television?
A: Interactive Television does not necessarily mean that you will have the Internet running on your television. Interactive Television may be delivered through a closed network over the Internet (IPTV) or it may have Internet like functions through a "walled garden" operated by the content delivery organization (cable, satellite, telecommunications, and mobile). It is important to make a distinction between Interactive Television, IPTV and Television or Video on the Internet. Television on the Internet is just that – the broadcast or rebroadcast of a television program on an Internet site that is accessed by the browser on your computer. Network or cable channels that allow you to watch episodes of TV shows on their websites are examples of Internet on Television. IPTV is the delivery of television content through the Internet Protocol (IP) to your television set. In this case, the content delivery organization has decided to use the Internet (usually in a closed network) to deliver the content to your television or set-top box. Interactive Television refers to the ability to interact with content that is being delivered to your television using a back channel provided by cable, satellite or telephone line.
Q: What are bound and unbound applications?
A: Bound and unbound applications in Interactive Television refer to whether or not the application is directly tied to a specific television program that is being aired. A bound application is one that is directly related to a specific television program and its operation is bound by the airing of the program itself. So for example, voting on America Idol contestants during the live show from your television's remote control would be an example of a bound application, as would answering questions about political candidates during a primary debate. An unbound application is one that can operate no matter what television programming is airing. The electronic program guide, (EPG) is an example of an unbound application.
Q: Is iTV an initiative by cable operators? Who is making iTV happen?
A: Interactive Television is a broad initiative involving all of the content delivery organizations, content providers and manufacturers of consumer electronic devices (set-top boxes, televisions). The cable industry has been one of the most active participants and has been working to upgrade their systems to facility the full-scale implementation of iTV. The cable industry has developed common standards and an open platform to ensure interoperability of devices on different cable systems (as mandated by the FCC). The Telcos have also begun providing multichannel video and are beginning to deploy iTV. The Satellite industry also has deployed several interactive applications which include games and information type applications.
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