Interactive Television: The Cusp of Convergence

One of the major benefits of digital television will be its ability to carry substantial amounts of auxiliary data, both program-related and otherwise. This is a result of both the maturing of broadcast television technology as well as the increasing sophistication and demands of audiences. In this regard, TV data broadcasting can be considered the zero-point of intersection for convergence of computers and television, allowing the embrace of an interactive television experience by both PC and TV platforms. — Yet exactly how this is to be successfully accomplished remains under debate. The uncertainty is amplified by the relative lack of established creative aesthetics and consumer preferences in such a new environment, as well as the pressing economic exigencies of enhanced-content providers. The need for technical standardization in this nascent domain is unanimously held, however. — This presentation will discuss methods of adapting already successful compositional styles and data transmission standards for the creation, transport and delivery of interactive television and other TV data-broadcast material. It will propose practical yet extensible solutions to this issue of profound relevance to television's future.

Published

1999-07

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/M001184

ISBN

978-1-61482-948-5