Interactive TV

by Don Collins
Summer 2001

Interactive television means more than using a remote control to change channels while searching for your favorite TV show. The next generation of TV invites you to actually participate, influence or otherwise interact with the on-air program. You share opinions, vote, compete with on-air contestants, chat with other viewers, even purchase merchandise.
There are two types of interactive television: one-screen and two-screen versions. One-screen embeds interactive data and graphics with the broadcast signal and displays them on the TV screen over or alongside the program. Viewers who have set-top boxes like Microsoft's WebTV Plus or other ATVEF-compliant cable or satellite receivers can enjoy one-screen interactive television. ATVEF is the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum and is "…a cross-industry group formed to specify a single public standard for delivering interactive television experiences that can be authored once using a variety of tools and deployed to a variety of television, set-top, and PC-based receivers."
Two-screen interactive programming requires viewers to have an Internet-connected computer running in the same room as the television. You can log onto the show's Web site to interact with the program as it airs. Web pages change with cues from the program itself.
Whether you've got a set-top box or you watch your favorite shows while surfing the Net on your computer, there are many new and exciting interactive shows for you to enjoy right now. Here is a sampling.

Inquizition

Game Show Network
[www.gameshownetwork.com]
Mon-Fri 7pm ET

Both One- and Two-screen
Set in a deserted airplane hangar with an "X-files"-esque feel, you and four on-air contestants compete against each other in a battle of wits. You can play along against the on-air contestants using WebTV Plus or by logging onto the Web site five times a week.

History IQ

The History Channel
[www.thehistorychannel.com]
Mon-Fri 7:30pm ET

Two-screen
History IQ brings a challenging game show to a play-at-home audience five days a week. Home viewers can log onto TheHistoryChannel.com and compete against studio contestants and other online players in real time.

WCW Thunder

TBS Superstation
[alt.superstation.com/iWatchWednesday]
Wed 9pm ET

Two-screen
If you've ever wanted to get behind the scenes of championship wrestling, check out TBS' interactive show. Enter enhanced TBS and you'll have a backstage locker-room power-pass to WCW Thunder. Get insider info, play interactive games, buy WCW gear and chat with other wrestling fans.

The View

ABC
[go.abc.com]
Mon-Fri 11am ET

Two-screen
Voice your opinions, vote in polls, get background information and play games while you watch The View, ABC's popular live morning talk and entertainment program.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

ABC
[go.abc.com]
Wed 8pm ET

Two-screen
Give your final answer and match your wits with the on-air contestants. Win cash and prizes while you boost your ego.