iTV, or full return path-based Interactive television, will initially introduce three new services - an improved, Interactive DStv Guide, a TV e-mailing system (TV-Mail) and TV-Shopping.
Interactive television is described as an activity in which viewers can interact with the information displayed on the TV screen, via remote control or infrared keyboard.
By simply clicking on certain icons, viewers will be able to get extended information on the subject they have chosen.
The iTV package is priced at R299. Subscribers receive a wireless keyboard as well as a modem, to facilitate their activities on iTV. iTV is an integral part of MultiChoice Africa’s digital satellite broadcasting business.
In the process of launching iTV, MultiChoice Africa (MCA) made history with the first Interactive television offering a service from Africa, for Africa.
Although it is being launched in South Africa, there are plans to extend the reach of iTV to 50 other African countries where MCA has a presence.
"The launch of iTV positions MultiChoice Africa to take advantage of future developments in the media area. It also allows us to add a number of additional services that make the viewing experience more exciting and enjoyable, allowing us to satisfy the many more subscriber needs," said Nolo Letele, chief executive of MultiChoice South Africa.
The new and full return path-based Interactive television started during the first week in March, with the new services to be made widely to the market by July.
Viewers will be able to use their decoders to send e-mails but the keyboards will make e-mailing easier.
A purpose-built DStv modem connected to the subscriber’s phone line and their decoder provides the return path to the servers housing the TV-Mail and TV-Shopping content.
"The optional keyboard with infrared capabilities will make typing e-mails messages more comfortable," Letele said.
It is expected that most existing decoders will be Interactive capable. "Viewers will, for the first time, truly interact with their television sets by e-mailing friends and transacting on the platform as they shop in the convenience of their living room. This provides a user-friendly, comfortable and friendly environment in which the whole family can participate," he said.
The launch of the new service is in addition to the following already-existing non-return path enhanced and Interactive services: Astroscope, WeatherWise, SuperSport Zone, DMX DJ and Mosaic. "Globally, iTV has been a success because television is a trusted medium and plays an integral part in peoples’ lives. It is still a primary brand and awareness-building medium and has a strong impact. Part of the innovation of iTV is a change in culture, which means the ideal way to launch is not with a multitude of different services, but rather with a few services that will change the way people view their TV sets. We have to educate subscribers and potential subscribers about how iTV can add value to their viewing experience," Letele said.
