Network TEN, one of Australia's three commercial broadcasters, began broadcasting a new enhanced television application today. The application is the first of its kind to be broadcast in Australia and is based around the Video Hits program that Network TEN produces. The application runs in conjunction with the music video clips of the program, providing access to additional information about the artists and their albums.
Viewers are able to interact with the program participating in games and quizzes.
Digital receivers incorporating MHP will be available for consumers from the beginning of 2002. Picotent will have several key services for interactive television ready for broadcaster's to utilize and Network TEN will have a number of interactive applications operating by that time. It will also give consumer equipment manufacturers confidence that interactive TV will be supported by the networks with interactive content. TEN's General Manager - Operations, Gerry Thorley said that interactivity not only provided another benefit for viewers of digital television, but also presented the opportunity for the Network to develop new revenue streams. Multiview broadcasts and interactivity are now an important focus for TEN as we work to make digital television even more compelling.