We were recently shown a demo of an upcoming cable-based interactive TV service for Japan called Mediatti. It reminded us of why corporate execs keep falling in love with this idea. Observe the screenshot to the right. Basically TV Guide on steroids. Video on demand.
Viewers control when and what they watch.
Surf, play networked games, download tunes, buy stuff. You talk into the remote control, hear the other person's voice over the TV speakers. NOW, or Network of the World. Mediatti users will eventually be able to make phone calls on their remotes. This function combines your TV, phone, and remote control.