NTL and Two Way TV reveal interactive TV deal

NTL, the UK’s leading broadband services company, is to add Two Way TV’s Ark technologies to their digital network following a licensing deal between the two companies.
Two Way TV’s Ark system has been designed to enable digital viewers to join in with programmes to vote, play along with game shows and interact with live programming such as sports events and awards shows.
The full Ark suite licensed by NTL is a tried and tested package of client and server-side modules which allow broadcasters to trigger, play-out and control tightly synchronised eTV services, manage return-path components and introduce pay-per-use and billing functionality.
The NTL deal is similar to the technology agreement with Telewest and assists in streamlining the interactive TV production process.
Jeremy Davies, Director of Content, NTL, said: “We are improving our digital TV product every day – the first phase was building the strongest channel proposition in cable, the next phase is developing the most exciting interactivity in digital television.
“We looked at the options for providing the most advanced interactive capability possible and Two Way TV was the only team with all the right pieces. Its Ark system, once integrated into our networks, enables non-technical people to quickly add and operate sophisticated interactivity linked to programmes as they’re broadcast.
"Our goal is to meet the demands of our subscribers and keep things as simple as possible for broadcasters and developers.”
Two Way TV Commercial Director Jean de Fougerolles said: "Two Way TV’s aim is to make our unique Ark eTV technology available to all broadcasters in the UK. NTL and Telewest can now offer a single integrated solution, removing technical and operational obstacles and allowing broadcasters to focus on creating compelling interactive programming for their viewers.”
Recent Two Way TV-enabled successes include BBCi’s Test The Nation (where 26% joined in through their remote) and Antiques Roadshow; Channel 4’s Fifteen To One and Sky Sports’ Sky Play Football.
It is also developing interactivity for a number of programmes broadcast on Flextech Television channels.
NTL, www.ntl.com
Two Way TV, www.twowaytv.com
(GMcG)