Zappware provides interactive TV content and playout system for Actua-TV
19/06/2006

First Belgian interactive digital theme channel goes live.

Zappware, the Belgian one-stop provider of interactive digital television solutions, is supplying the interactive TV content and playout system for Actua-TV, Belgium's first interactive digital theme channel.

The playout system houses the video playout for both recorded video clips and live broadcasts from Parliament, as well as a content management tool that can be used to write press releases and news bulletins and place them online automatically. The combination of both solutions enables video and interactive content to be attuned to one another.

For Actua-TV viewers, this means that in practical terms they can watch Actua-TV interactively as soon as they tune in. Their screen will provide access to current press releases and news bulletins, as well as a summary of the programmes for the following day. A slide presentation gives them access to more background information on a number of current topics.

Viewers are able to take part in opinion polls on specific subjects. And when they send in their answer, they also receive the results of the viewer survey. Finally, a pull-through feature at the bottom of the screen displays the main news items for the day.

"Topic-related broadcasters have a constant need to involve their viewers," says Koen Swings, Managing Partner at Zappware. "We are confident that providing a wide range of interactive information will also effectively increase the involvement of Actua-TV viewers. Political parties can also use these viewer surveys to keep their finger on the pulse of viewer opinions, providing them with an excellent barometer."