TV Guide Interactive Inc. and WorldGate have integrated a comprehensive interactive cable TV service that incorporates open-platform technology coupled with Concurrent Computer Corp.'s VOD system.
The companies are offering an iTV package that operates without a middleware platform and combines a variety of services through TV Guide Interactive and its application protocol interface. The services include WorldGate's interactive applications, TV Guide's digital interactive program guide and Concurrent's broadband VOD services. The package is currently being tested and is expected be available to North American cable operators beginning this summer.
Cable network operators will be able to deploy digital services offered by the three companies on Motorola's DCT-2000 set-top box. Subscribers will be able to access WorldGate to use e-mail, chat online, Web surf and other activities. Subscribers will also be able to use TVGI2001, TV Guide Interactive's new interactive program guide release, which has new functionality, including pay-per-view enhancements and support for third-party applications that are accessed via an integrated enhanced VOD user interface. Concurrent's MediaHawk Broadband VOD System will allow consumers to use their set-top box to call up digital movies and control them with VCR functionality.
