ADSL Broadband
Best Broadband
Cable Broadband
Free Broadband
Fastest Broadband
20Mb Broadband
50Mb Broadband
Fibre-Optic Broadband
Digital TV 'can bring new viewing experiences to consumers'
Wednesday 26th August 2009, by Daniel King
Experts have tipped the expansion of digital and online TV viewing options to bring a number of new interactive possibilities for broadband users.
Games console manufacturer Sony has recently revealed that an upcoming software update for its popular PlayStation 3 system is to include an optimised utility for viewing the BBC's iPlayer service.
The utility, which allows users to access on-demand BBC programming from the last week, is now available across a large number of web-enabled platforms, including home computers, mobile phones and portable media players.
However, analysts are tipping its prominent inclusion on the Sony console as a sign that digital TV may be ready to start providing even more new services to online consumers.
Tim Gibbon, founder of the Social Media Portal, has forecast that the proliferation of cross-media TV services could result in a greater variety of programming being made available.
He pointed to Sony's reported plans to make US movies and TV shows available to UK users via the PlayStation Network in November as evidence of this potential trend.
Siim Vips, chief executive officer of content management software provider Modera, suggested that further possibilities could be opened up by integrating more interactivity into the digital TV experience.
He highlighted the integration of instant messaging and social networking functionality in many consoles, suggesting that something similar could enhance the experience of console-based TV viewers.
Mr Vips said: "It's not beyond the realms of possibility that someone could be watching EastEnders on their PS3, they can see other users that are logged in and watching it and they can exchange comments with one another about the show."
Both analysts agreed that broadcasters should be looking to provide new content and functionality to online users as they look to expand their services to new mediums.
Categories: Broadband, Broadband Products
