Buzztime iTV Trivia Channel Launched
Reprinted from an Buzztime Entertainment press release:
CARLSBAD, Calif, and YORK, Pa., June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Buzztime Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of NTN Communications, Inc. and a leading developer and distributor of real-time interactive television entertainment programming, and Susquehanna Communications (SusCom), a top-20 cable operator (MSO), today announced the commercial launch of the BUZZTIME trivia channel to 100% of the 16,000 SusCom digital cable subscribers in York, Pa. The launch follows an extensive and successful field trial in York on SusCom and makes the BUZZTIME trivia channel the first consumer iTV game channel to enable real-time multiplayer competitions on digital set top boxes in the United States.
SusCom digital cable customers in York are the first to play along on BUZZTIME’s six made-for-iTV game channels. As of June 10, 2002, customers can tune into the BUZZTIME channel which is the first listing in their on-screen interactive program guide (IPG), and participate in the multiplayer game channels that enable real-time competition with subscribers across the street, across town, and eventually, across the country.
“The commercial launch of BUZZTIME with SusCom marks a new phase of the interactive television evolution for cable operators and digital cable customers across the country,” said Tyrone Lam, president and COO, Buzztime Entertainment. “For the first time, digital subscribers can use their existing digital set top box and remote control to play and compete against other homes. With this first consumer launch underway, we are hoping to move forward with other cable operators to explore all the possibilities that come with opening the iTV gateway.”
“Customer response to BUZZTIME has been extremely positive throughout the recent marketing and technical trial,” stated Mitch Piskur, general manager, SusCom. “We strongly believe that the BUZZTIME channel will enhance the value of our digital service.”
SusCom digital customers in York need only their existing Scientific- Atlanta Explorer digital set top box and remote control to play along on BUZZTIME. The channel features the same great content — live play-along trivia games for players of all interests and ability levels — that already entertains millions of consumers each month on the NTN Network in approximately 3,600 restaurants and sports bars in North America.
SusCom will pay Buzztime a monthly license fee for carriage of the BUZZTIME channel to all SusCom digital subscribers. Buzztime intends, as distribution grows, to obtain additional revenues via premium fees for competitions and prizes from players and from advertisers and sponsors.
“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of television programming with our decision to include BUZZTIME as a new product offering to our digital cable households,” said Dan Templin, vice president, programming and marketing, SusCom.
Added Michael Fleming, chairman of Buzztime Entertainment: “Achieving multiplayer gaming on digital set top boxes has been a goal of game providers, cable operators and satellite distributors for some years. This is a momentous event for SusCom, Buzztime, NTN and the iTV industry. This launch will be seen years from now as the inflection point that initiated the next generation of viewer controlled digital television.”
BUZZTIME features six channels of play-along trivia games for players of all interests and ability levels with real-time competition and rankings among households. BUZZTIME game play categories include TV Trivia, History Trivia, Kids Only Trivia, Music Trivia, Sports Trivia and Countdown — the longest running interactive trivia game in the world. BUZZTIME trivia games are distributed simultaneously to all subscribers in a cable system to create a unique, one-of-a-kind connected user experience.
Dan Sweeney, senior vice president, distribution, Buzztime Entertainment said, “SusCom has seen the value of our unique game channel with its connected user experience through real-time competitions across cable households. We’re ready to communicate our success in York to other cable operators who are looking to distinguish themselves from the competition through BUZZTIME’s fresh, fun content and the many cross-promotional and marketing opportunities the multiplayer competition and local NTN Network connection present.”