Mixed, Microsoft ink interactive TV pact

Cyberbiz brief

By MARC GRASER

Mixed Signals Technologies has inked a lucrative deal with Microsoft that will put the company's interactive TV software on all of Microsoft's TV platforms, including WebTV and Ultimate TV. Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, deal will provide network operators with the ability to generate revs from onscreen sales as people watch their televisions. Software that makes advertising clickable also tracks viewer interaction and reports traffic and responses. Mixed Signals has already created interactive versions of "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" for Sony, allowing subs to play along with onscreen contestants five days a week. Mixed Signals is currently responsible for more than 20 hours of interactive programming each week for Sony, USA Networks, E!, HBO, Disney and Oxygen, among others.