ABC launches interactive television

Adam Turner
Thursday, 02 August 2007 16:07

Your IT - Entertainment

Australia's government broadcaster the ABC has launched an interactive television service for children, accessible via Foxtel and Optus pay TV set top boxes.

Premiering on ABC TV on Monday August 6, RollerCoaster Interactive TV will include audio, games, SMS, competitions and user generated content. The service will air on Foxtel and Optus subscription television services every weekday from on ABC TV from 4.55pm to 5.55pm and on ABC2, ABC’s second digital channel, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm.

Accessible via the red button on the pay TV remote control, the service will include a range of interactive TV games and quizzes. Games will be based on the cartoons and hosted segments that make up the ABC's RollerCoaster TV after school programming. Quizzes will include questions submitted by viewers.

The interactive services will also tie in with www.rollercoaster.com.au, which has expanded to allow children to share their own video and animation content.

Other interactive features allow viewers to superimpose special effects on top of live broadcasts, such as ability to throw objects across the screen and play sound effects.