Freeview to get 'red button' enhancement with new EuroMHEG standard
Are you a Freeview viewer who is frustrated that you aren't able to get the most out of the red button on your remote control?
Would you like to be able to vote on the next celebrity or talent show, but can't?
That's because Freeview didn't implement a 'return channel' - there's no way for enhanced information to be passed back to the television station as there is with satellite or cable.
Now, Ocean Blue Software have come up with a solution: EuroMHEG.
It's a European-wide standard which can be added to DVB-T set-top boxes and TVs which have a modem or broadband connection.
This will allow services such as interactive voting, shopping and video-on-demand.
"Owners of Freeview set-top boxes have been missing out on interactive services since its introduction," said Ken Helps, Managing Director of Ocean Blue Software. "All too often viewers, who wished to vote, buy product or play with Freeview would use a mobile or landline phone as the return channel. That will change with the EuroMHEG new standard."
The standard will also support HD television broadcasts, and the BBC's planned free satellite service Freesat.
Genius.
And how does this software update magically create a connection between the all set top boxes without telephone/internet connections and the TV station?
It can't.
So it'll mean a new set top box and either phone or broadband connection for anyone wanting to use the new features.
Posted by: BigTim | May 17, 2006 8:54 AM