Under the agreement, Zenith plans to incorporate Wink Enhanced Broadcasting into its new multimedia television platform over the next three years. Wink is pleased to be partnering with another top U.S. television manufacturer. By clicking their remote control during an enhanced program or advertisement, the viewer can access program-related information such as weather, sports updates, trivia and play along games, request product samples, coupons and other free offers from advertisers and make purchases instantly. Wink's technology enables programmers and advertisers to enhance TV with interactive overlays relating to the TV broadcast that appear as supplemental text and graphics on the TV screen. When Wink is available to a television viewer, a small symbol appears on the viewer's TV screen, indicating that the show or commercial is Wink enhanced.
Viewers can choose to interact with the show or ad by using their existing remote control.
A Zenith TV set incorporating the Wink system is being demonstrated for the first time at the 2000 International Consumer Electronics Show here this week. Wink differs from Internet access on television, in that it enhances existing programs and commercials. Wink has agreements in place with major cable and satellite operators, Microsoft, Liberate and manufacturers of consumer electronics equipment to distribute Wink's enhanced TV feature to viewers. Since November 1999, Zenith has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, a global leader in electronics and digital technologies. Wink Enhanced Broadcasting allows advertisers, merchants, and broadcast and cable networks the ability to create interactive enhancements to traditional television advertisements and programs.