Television network NBC Monday said it is working with Intel Corp. on a two-year project to create and distribute digital television (DTV) programming.
The agreement will enable NBC viewers to watch digital programming and receive interactive content via a DTV-enhanced computer, digital television or set-top box. Features will include an electronic program guide, chat, electronic greeting cards, interactive quizzes, movie trailers and video sneak-previews of NBC special event programming and sports statistics.
The programming is scheduled to be available to viewers this fall.
Intel said it will license to NBC the software, tools and applications that will enable the creation and insertion of
the enhanced portions of the digital broadcast into NBC’s existing programming. Content will be developed by NBC’s interactive television production group and will utilize NBC’s broad range of Internet assets, including its stake in community site Snap, which it jointly owns with CNET.
“Working with Intel, NBC is continuing to lead in the areas of digital television and enhanced data
broadcasting,” said Tom Rogers, president of NBC Cable & Business Development. “Our digital broadcast
signal will not only provide viewers with the finest quality video, but now we are making it truly interactive.
We are taking the next step in creating converged content for both the PC and the television.”
The content will be compliant with the technical specification currently being approved by the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF), of which Intel and NBC are founding members.