Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) conduct the world's first live trial of interactive mobile TV. The trial demonstrates a new way of using mobile TV, which allows mobile phone users to vote, chat and communicate with a television presenter while watching their favorite show - all at the same time and all on their mobile.
Together, Ericsson and NRK launched a downloadable client for the existing interactive TV format, Svisj. For example, viewers can vote for which music video is to be played next by the touch of a button and may also chat with each other or the host of the program.
Gunnar Garfors, Director of Mobile Services, NRK Development Division, says: "This is interactivity with a vengeance. We are making it easier for our audiences to view mobile TV and participate in shows, no matter where they are."
Kurt Sillén, Vice President, Ericsson Mobility World, says: "Our solution makes it possible for viewers to interact with a show that they are watching on their mobile device in a whole new way, creating a much richer TV experience with the help of the mobile channel."
The new interactive mobile TV application is an end-to-end solution based on existing technology, which enables mobile phone users to watch streamed TV programs live and at the same time interact with the show.
For TV networks, this means increased traffic and new revenues from content fees, additional advertising and paid interactions such as voting, chatting and greetings. This opens the way to new TV formats, widens target groups and builds customer loyalty while giving end-users an advanced and enhanced TV experience
Ericsson is shaping the future of mobile communications and broadband Internet through continuous technological leadership. Providing innovative solutions in over 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
http://www.ericsson.com/press
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Media Relations
Tel: +46 8 7196992
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
About NRK
NRK is the biggest media house in Norway with a number of national TV and radio channels as well as major web and wap sites. The public service broadcaster has since 2000 been a leader when it comes to mobile content and interactive services in Europe.
