ICTV, RGB Networks to Demonstrate Targeted Advertising Using Overlay Triggers for ActiveVideo Channels

ICTV, RGB Networks to Demonstrate Targeted Advertising Using Overlay Triggers for ActiveVideo Channels

Joint Solution Enables Direct Links from Linear Channels to Web Media on Television

LAS VEGAS, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- ICTV, which enables actionable Web-driven media through television, and RGB Networks, the leader in network video processing, announced today that they are demonstrating a joint solution for triggering ActiveVideo programming and advanced, dynamic advertising at the NCTA Cable Show May 7-9.

In the ICTV booth, #4671, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, ICTV and RGB Networks are showing how logo overlays inserted in linear broadcast streams via the RGB Networks Broadcast Network Processor (BNP) can be used to enable immediate viewer entry into the dynamic, engaging ActiveVideo environment of Web media, full interaction, high-quality video and targeted, interactive advertising -- all delivered as a single programming stream to the television by ICTV ActiveVideo.

Using the joint solution, programmers will be able to insert graphic elements into linear channels that will prompt viewers to switch directly to an ActiveVideo Channel or advertising showcase, without returning to the channel guide or VOD interface. Viewers of ActiveVideo Channels can use standard remote controls to navigate through current and archived video, access real-time news and information and interact with targeted, actionable, auditable advertising.

"Traditional TV advertising has been competing with Web advertising, DVR fast-forwarding and channel surfing in recent years," said Ramin Farassat, vice president, product marketing for RGB Networks. "Together with ICTV, we are able to help programmers and operators enhance the value of commercial avails by prompting viewers to enter a targeted environment in which they can learn more about products they care about and ultimately make purchases."

"As a standards-based platform, ActiveVideo can easily be integrated with other solutions to enhance its value to programmers and operators," said Mark Jeffery, senior director, product marketing for ICTV. "Our work with RGB Networks technology invites viewer interaction directly from the linear program stream, and our platform enables the targeted, interactive advertising showcases that can support transactions and can generate higher advertising revenues."

ActiveVideo Channels allow network operators and programmers to provide an unlimited variety of content in a personalized experience that includes access to entire libraries of video, navigational elements, channel branding, targeted, interactive banner advertisements, and links to ad showcases. ActiveVideo Mosaic, the multichannel industry's first customizable, personalized video-rich navigation system, provides easy-to-use navigation, allowing subscribers to view live video from and navigate through a number of channels at a single glance.

ActiveVideo composites linear and on-demand programming with broadband content in the network into personalized MPEG video streams. Because content can be created and modified using standard Web tools and talent, network operators, programmers and advertisers can create content once for delivery via the ActiveVideo Distribution Network to every cable and IPTV set-top box, regardless of hardware, middleware and guide differences. Viewers can navigate through, and interact with, individual elements of the stream using key clicks of their remote controls.

About RGB Networks

RGB Networks delivers extremely high-density, flexible video processing solutions that enable video service providers to deliver highly targeted and personalized video content at considerably lower costs than conventional solutions. Based on its unique Video Intelligence Architecture(TM) (VIA), RGB's VIA product family simplifies management and delivers scalable, multi- function capability in a single, programmable platform, allowing video service providers to leverage existing infrastructure, while building an advanced foundation to meet the needs of the rapidly growing market for personalized video services. For more information about RGB Networks and its video processing solutions, please visit www.rgbnetworks.com.

About ICTV

ICTV(R) delivers ActiveVideo, a network-based platform enabling Web media to be universally distributed through television and other devices. ActiveVideo engages viewers in a dynamic environment with high-quality video and targeted, interactive advertisements. The platform uses standards-based distribution technologies allowing network operators, programmers and advertisers to extend Web workflows to new screens and provide a limitless array of personalized content that is enhanced with Web-driven interaction. The company is based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with offices in Los Angeles, Baltimore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ictv.com.

Source: ICTV

CONTACT: Paul Schneider of PSPR, Inc., +1-215-702-9784, +1-215-817-4384,
pspr@att.net, for ICTV

Web site:

http://www.ictv.com/
http://www.rgbnetworks.com/

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