WJAR-TV, NBC affiliate in Providence, R.I., has agreed to begin testing Backchannelmedia’s TV-to-Internet click through technology. The market trial, set to begin this summer, marks the third market test of Backchannelmedia’s technology, and follows agreements announced with ABC affiliates WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H., and WCVB-TV/DT in Boston.
The test will last for one year and will allow Media General’s WJAR to collect data on viewer engagement and allow the TV station to develop new forms of programming linked to the Internet. Using set-top box equipment enabled with Backchannelmedia’s patent pending technology, TV viewers are provided the ability to interact through their TV remote control when prompted by an icon. These “clickable moments” can be found in both programming and commercials and allow the user the ability to bookmark their interests, forwarding them to their own personalized Web site.
“We are impressed with Backchannelmedia’s technology and excited to become involved with this test,” said Lisa Churchville, president and general manager of WJAR. “The digital transition opens up possibilities for convergence. We think Backchannelmedia’s product provides the long anticipated connection between TV and the Internet in an easy to use, seamless manner that will serve both our viewers and our advertisers.”
