ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & LOS ANGELES–In a landmark move set to redefine the television viewing experience, DISH Network, in collaboration with Gemstar-TV Guide International and Ensequence, has announced the launch of an innovative Interactive Television (ITV) application from TV Guide Channel. This application, slated to be available on DISH Network in the second quarter of 2007, promises to enhance how DISH Network subscribers navigate and engage with their TV content.
Starting May 2, 2007, DISH Network channel 117 will not only be the new home for TV Guide Channel programming in full screen but also the gateway to this groundbreaking ITV application. This integration marks a significant step forward in interactive television, offering viewers a dynamic and user-friendly way to explore TV listings and recommendations directly through their DISH Network service.
The TV Guide Channel ITV application is designed with the viewer in mind, providing an intuitive interface that allows for seamless interaction with TV Guide’s expert editorial recommendations while watching TV Guide Channel on DISH. This application distinguishes itself as one of Gemstar-TV Guide’s premier interactive offerings, launched directly from a linear channel to provide a truly dynamic capability for television viewers.
DISH Network subscribers can effortlessly access the TV Guide Channel ITV application by simply pressing “Select” on their remote control while tuned to DISH Network channel 117. Alternatively, the application can be found under the Entertainment category on DishHOME channel 100, ensuring easy discoverability for all users. Once launched, the application presents up to ten categories of expert TV recommendations at a time, streamlining the process of discovering what to watch. Beyond recommendations, DISH Network customers gain the ability to set program reminders, schedule recordings on their Digital Video Recorder (DVR), upgrade their DISH Network subscription packages, and even order pay-per-view programming, all through this interactive guide.
“We are thrilled to enrich our ITV platform for our subscribers with the robust and user-friendly TV Guide Channel, powered by Ensequence,” stated Michael Kelly, executive vice president of Commercial and Business Services for EchoStar. This sentiment underscores DISH Network’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and enhancing user experience.
Ryan O’Hara, president of TV Guide Channel, SPOT and Broadband, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “As leaders in interactive TV applications, DISH Network and Ensequence are the ideal partners to launch TV Guide Channel’s new interactive features.” He further emphasized the application’s purpose: “TV Guide Channel is dedicated to creating a meaningful interactive TV experience for DISH Network customers by simplifying and personalizing their TV viewing choices. This ITV application is a testament to TV Guide’s ongoing evolution, innovating and adding value for the consumer through new products and services.”
The cornerstone of the TV Guide Channel ITV application is its frequently updated, expert editorial recommendations. These recommendations are genre-based, designed to simplify program selection and help viewers navigate today’s complex, multi-channel television landscape. TV listings and program recommendations are the bedrock of TV Guide, providing an essential service for viewers seeking guidance in their entertainment choices.
Ensequence, a leader in interactive video technology, played a pivotal role in bringing TV Guide Channel’s vision to life. Working in close partnership, Ensequence collaborated with TV Guide Channel to design both the user experience and the interactive television functionality, ensuring maximum value from the listings service. The TV Guide Channel application was developed by Ensequence’s professional services group using the on-Q® Create suite, highlighting the power and flexibility of Ensequence’s technology.
Dalen Harrison, chief executive officer of Ensequence, remarked, “TV Guide Channel’s vision for an advanced interactive channel aligned perfectly with our market-leading interactive video technology.” He further added, “TV Guide Channel is elevating interactive TV experiences to a new level, and this application serves as a prime example of the future of enhanced interactive channels in the United States.”
This innovative partnership between DISH Network, TV Guide Channel, and Ensequence is set to transform the way viewers interact with television. By integrating expert recommendations and interactive features directly into the DISH Network platform, the new TV Guide Channel ITV application promises a more personalized, efficient, and enjoyable TV viewing experience for millions of subscribers.
