BACH TO THE FUTURE WITH ONDIGITAL

CLASSICAL music fans will be able to benefit from the latest digital TV technology with an enhanced service to accompany ITV's Classical Brits, exclusive to ONdigital viewers.
ITV will be broadcasting the annual awards ceremony and, at the touch of a button, ONdigital viewers will be able to get extra information on the nominations, the presenters and the performers, enter competitions or buy classical CDs. Upon entering the service the full screen shrinks to a quarter-screen size and a welcome page will be presented. They will also be able to find out more about how to pursue a career in the music industry.
The enhanced TV service, developed by Carlton Active, will be broadcast alongside the awards show at 10pm on June 3 and will be available exclusively to ONdigital customers or Digital Television viewers.
Five content zones will contain entertaining and informative detail on the Classical Brits, accessible by pressing the red button on a viewer's remote control. Upon entering the service, the TV screen reduces to accommodate content sections, including Nominations, Classical Brits, Competitions, Classical Brits CD Shop and a Brit Trust section.
The Nominations section will feature details in all six Classical Brits categories ranging from ‘Male Artist of the Year’ to ‘Ensemble of the Year’. The Classical Brits section will contain features on the event, including details on the presenters and performers, and in-depth interviews with nominees.
The Competition section will give viewers the chance to play three interactive games, including a quiz on classical music. On responding correctly, a phone number and password will be displayed for entering a prize draw.
The Classical Brits CD Shop section will provide a menu of all the nominees' albums with track listings, while the Brit Trust section will incorporate three menus covering The Brit Trust, career opportunities and music courses.
Matthew Seaman, ONdigital's Director of Interactivity, said: "Classical music is experiencing a surge in interest and it is only right that we should ensure that the fans can benefit from the latest in digital TV. This is the latest in a long line of enhanced services available to ONdigital viewers. They have come to expect the latest and the best from us." (CD)