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CH4 does u-turn on pulling red button service....
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Published: 20 April 2006 00:00
Channel 4 has performed a u-turn, launching a red-button service around this year's Big Brother just months after pulling the plug on interactive TV programming.
Despite branding iTV technology "clunky" and "inefficient", Channel 4 is planning to allow viewers to press red for extended footage from the reality TV house, NMA can reveal.
This will coincide with the launch of a significantly revamped Big Brother Web site, which will focus more heavily on video content. For the first time, a series of advertiser-funded programme clips will be made available free of charge to broadband Internet and mobile phone users.
When the seventh series of Big Brother launches next month, those watching youth entertainment channel E4 will be able to use their remote control to access a live stream of the housemates in action.
Channel 4 insists that its position on iTV remains unchanged, with no red-button voting, news or gaming applications around this year's series of the reality show. It has also dismantled its iTV team within the new media division to divert funds into developing services for broadband Internet and mobile platforms
"When we announced we were pulling our 24:7 iTV portal we made it clear we would continue to provide some red-button services where significant opportunities existed," said Andy Taylor, MD of Channel 4 New Media. "For Big Brother we've always offered our viewers the opportunity to watch the live stream and E4 proposes to offer this service this year."
While Channel 4 has shifted its strategic focus away from iTV, the decision to launch a red-button service around its biggest show leaves the door open for the medium.
Rival broadcasters remain committed to using iTV to enhance their schedules, with ITV, Five, the BBC and Sky continually rolling out new applications.
channel4.com
http://2mad.co.uk/Main/News/Disciplines/Media/TV/Articles/9e88c43e23934ac19cedb26b28ff9c0f/Channel-4-plans-iTV-content-for-BB-despite-red-button-retreat.html
Channel 4 has performed a u-turn, launching a red-button service around this year's Big Brother just months after pulling the plug on interactive TV programming.
Despite branding iTV technology "clunky" and "inefficient", Channel 4 is planning to allow viewers to press red for extended footage from the reality TV house, NMA can reveal.
This will coincide with the launch of a significantly revamped Big Brother Web site, which will focus more heavily on video content. For the first time, a series of advertiser-funded programme clips will be made available free of charge to broadband Internet and mobile phone users.
When the seventh series of Big Brother launches next month, those watching youth entertainment channel E4 will be able to use their remote control to access a live stream of the housemates in action.
Channel 4 insists that its position on iTV remains unchanged, with no red-button voting, news or gaming applications around this year's series of the reality show. It has also dismantled its iTV team within the new media division to divert funds into developing services for broadband Internet and mobile platforms
"When we announced we were pulling our 24:7 iTV portal we made it clear we would continue to provide some red-button services where significant opportunities existed," said Andy Taylor, MD of Channel 4 New Media. "For Big Brother we've always offered our viewers the opportunity to watch the live stream and E4 proposes to offer this service this year."
While Channel 4 has shifted its strategic focus away from iTV, the decision to launch a red-button service around its biggest show leaves the door open for the medium.
Rival broadcasters remain committed to using iTV to enhance their schedules, with ITV, Five, the BBC and Sky continually rolling out new applications.
channel4.com
http://2mad.co.uk/Main/News/Disciplines/Media/TV/Articles/9e88c43e23934ac19cedb26b28ff9c0f/Channel-4-plans-iTV-content-for-BB-despite-red-button-retreat.html
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Comments
thank you for that :0)
That's what I'm wondering!
I've already asked the 'experts' on the Fview forum
That's the $64000 question.
Only by removing a channel - either Quiz Call or E4+1. More4+1 is also possible until it's needed for FilmFour in July.
The '705' stream only appeared on launch day so there is still time yet for something to happen.
I'm not getting my hopes up yet.
It's taken them long enough to update it, I've always been surprised how basic it is compared to other countries' BB official websites
OMG I was so happy about the red button that I didn't even notice what the article said about the BB website.
It says we will see a "significantly revamped BB website". This is really good news, as a revamp is way, way, way overdue for the website. It's looked excatly the same since BB2. During BB1, the website looked great so I hope they return to something like that.
You expect us to believe you wear them? :rolleyes:
I think the Filmfour idea is a good one. Seeing as More4+1 has to go in July anyway, they could use it for BB Live on Freeview until then.