ActiveVideo Networks to Demonstrate Multichannel Industry 'First' at Cable Show: Web-Based Interactive Content Launched from EBIF Prompts

ActiveVideo Networks to Demonstrate Multichannel Industry 'First' at Cable Show: Web-Based Interactive Content Launched from EBIF Prompts

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ActiveVideo Networks announced today that it will be demonstrating the multichannel television industry's first example of the ability of consumers to launch Web-based interactive content from EBIF (Enhanced Binary Interchange Format) prompts at The Cable Show in Washington, DC next month.

During the April 1-3 show at the Washington Convention Center, ActiveVideo (Booth #1423) will show several EBIF applications that provide increased viewer engagement, including: a portal-like programming experience with bonus materials that would extend the brand of popular shows; and multi-tiered advertising microsites that showcase videos and products within a specific market.

"EBIF represents a significant step for the cable industry in terms of ubiquitous interactivity. Combining EBIF with interactive, video content from the Internet and/or from operators' VOD platforms, creates a media-rich, immersive interactive video ad that maximizes the viewer experience and impact," said John Callahan, CTO of ActiveVideo Networks. "Our Cable Show demonstrations will underscore how cable can deliver the Web choice and control subscribers are seeking in the television environment that they enjoy."

In the ActiveVideo examples at The Cable Show, EBIF triggers embedded in linear television shows or commercials enable telescoping into a programming or advertising microsite. Keyclicks on standard remote controls initiate local application overlays that enable viewers to navigate through several options, including links to show-related or advertising videos that are streamed from network servers and may themselves contain additional embedded triggers. At the same time, a scaled version of the broadcast stream can continue to be delivered, enabling the viewer to monitor the original programming channel.

"The rise in video consumption at the PC and the seemingly-endless parade of new Web-to-TV consumer devices indicate that consumers want greater video choice and the 10-foot experience of the living room television," said Callahan. "Cable's pioneering efforts in EBIF and the power and reach of the industry's managed network give it tremendous advantages in meeting those desires."

Callahan will be speaking about the potential of solutions that combine EBIF with network-based processing during the NCTA Technical Papers session on Wednesday, April 1 at The Cable Show. Callahan will be part of the panel entitled: Sending the Right Message: Techniques and Technologies for Targeted Advertising.

ActiveVideo immerses viewers in an engaging experience that combines Web video, Web 2.0 functionality and traditional television. With ActiveVideo, viewers can navigate a completely interactive environment of both linear and broadband programming including rich interfaces and graphics optimized for TV and remote control navigation; social networking; personal media; niche content; and targeted, actionable advertising. ActiveVideo uses intelligent MPEG streaming to deliver the Web 2.0 experience to any digital cable set-top box or broadband-connected CE device.

About ActiveVideo Networks

ActiveVideo Networks(TM), formerly ICTV(R), provides programming and technology that infuse television with Web content and interactivity. Based on standard Web authoring and delivery technologies, the company's ActiveVideo(R) Distribution Network simply and inexpensively enables expanded programming, navigation and advertising possibilities, allowing viewers to define and share TV experiences. ActiveVideo combines Web-based media and targeted, clickable advertisements with the high-quality video, immediate responsiveness and remote control navigation of television for uniform interactivity across all digital set-tops and Web-connected televisions. ActiveVideo Networks is based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with offices in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Beijing and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.avnetworks.com.

Source: ActiveVideo Networks

CONTACT: Paul Schneider for ActiveVideo Networks, +1-215-702-9784, or
+1-215-817-4384 (mobile), pspr@att.net

Web Site: http://www.avnetworks.com/

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