Jerusalem, ISRAEL — Israel satellite broadcaster YES has selected
technology from NDS Group (NNDS), which has a major office in Jerusalem, to
provide advanced interactive services to YES customers.
Based on NDS’s Value@TV interactive infrastructure, features will include
horoscopes, weather, traffic, various games and e-mail services.
YES said its digital customers may soon be able to use these services on
their TV screens at the touch of a button. Future subscriber services are
expected to include T-commerce, banking applications and other enhanced
television applications.
NDS, a News Corp subsidiary, was the primary systems integrator when YES
launched last year. NDS provides access and a three-language electronic
program guide in Hebrew, English and Russian, which is expandable to add
extra languages.
“Israel continues to be an early adopter of digital television, and specifically
interactive television,” NDS Israel General Manager Raffi Kesten said.
YES Managing Director Shlomo Liran said YES and NDS will offer exciting
interactive services.
“Using a remote control or cordless keyboard, our subscribers will be able to
play games online, send and receive e-mail messages and send text
messages to mobile phones,” he said. “These new facilities will be available to
all of our customers, as well as existing services like ordering films and
program information.”
YES offers channels to meet a variety of tastes and has introduced
high-quality audio and video broadcasts to Israel. For the first time, Israeli
subscribers are able to choose their viewing packages and pay according to
what they choose. Cable providers in Israel do not offer tiered services. YES
launched last July.
