Wink opens Fox's eyes to interactivity
Tech services like email to be added to p'gramming
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Fox becomes the last of the Big Four networks to sign such a deal with Alameda-based Wink, whose technology enables networks, producers and advertisers to provide additional info and services to viewers via small text boxes and graphics at the bottom of the TV screen. Networks also can add e-commerce capabilities to 30-second commercials.
The technology is activated with a standard remote control.
Fox hopes to have its programming interactive by fall.
Competing with services from OpenTV and iXL, Wink's software resides inside television sets as well as cable and satellite receiver boxes, including DirecTV.
"Wink affords Fox a unique opportunity to offer interactive enhancements for our most popular programming, and we look forward to improving the entertainment experience for our viewers," said Larry Jacobson, prexy of the Fox net. "We are also interested in the e-commerce capabilities Wink provides both the network and its advertisers, as we expect to pursue those opportunities aggressively."
Wink programming is available to viewers in cable markets in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee. The service has been available in Japan since 1996 and in the U.S. since '98.
