Television shopping channel Home Shopping Network (HSN) is teaming up with Excite@Home to create and simulcast what the companies called
“the most widely distributed live interactive shopping experience currently
available.”
HSN and Excite@Home said they intend to develop a co-branded shopping
experience to be broadcast both online at Excite.com and on HSN TV.
The new broadband shopping program, powered by proprietary streaming media
network iBEAM and available later this year, would
allow online shoppers to view live video of HSN TV and to interact on
Excite.com via a 56K modem as well as a broadband Internet connection such as
cable, DSL, or T-1, from home or work.
The co-branded TV and online program is intended to provide a wide range of
interactive capabilities such as immediate access to additional information
on HSN products, online interaction with HSN hosts, participation in
real-time chats, casting votes during live product polling, registering for
contests and simultaneous shopping online with family, friends and other
customers.
The two companies also plan to invest in online and off-line marketing and
promotions to support the program. Financial arrangements were not disclosed.
“This relationship between HSN and Excite@Home represents a significant
breakthrough in online shopping,” said Jack Kirby, president of HSNi, the Network’s interactive division.
“The
delivery of innovative broadband shopping content moves far beyond the
typical `electronic catalog’ experience that has become the norm.”
“The convergence of the TV audience and broadband will draw Excite users and
shoppers in through live interactivity and community-building features,” said
Richard Gingras, senior vice president and general manager of Excite Studios.
Home Shopping Network, a division of USA Networks Inc., helped to pioneer the
electronic retailing industry in 1977. Its 24-hour programming reaches more
than 74 million households. In 1999, the company generated $1.2 billion in
sales. Broadband online service provider Excite@Home says it has a global
footprint of 105 million homes under long-term cable and DSL contract.
