Showtime Introduces Interactive TV Application

NEW YORK: Showtime Networks is launching the first nationwide HD interactive TV application (iTV) with Showtime Sports Interactive, which Verizon FiOS TV customers will have access to first.

Using EBIF (Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format), Showtime Sports Interactive will allow subscribers to access fighter stats, records, bios and quotes, along with the ability to vote in interactive polls, play trivia games and check the schedule of a fight calendar, all while watching Showtime. The features are all interactive, unlike the static on-screen stats displayed with traditional televised sporting events.

Verizon’s FiOS TV customers will have the first look at the network’s interactive experience during the live Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts telecast today at 11 p.m.

Robert Hayes, the senior VP and general manager of digital media at Showtime Networks, commented, "Showtime has been leading the industry with digital enhancements and Interactive TV for over a decade. With the launch of Showtime Sports Interactive, we are excited to be joining Verizon at the forefront, bringing this state-of-the-art feature to Showtime HD." He added: "Showtime continues to innovate and provide value-added features to our subscribers and our sports programming provides the perfect setting for the ‘lean forward’ experience that is now possible with Interactive TV."

Shawn Strickland, the VP of consumer strategy and planning for Verizon, said, "We’re thrilled to partner with Showtime and offer more value to our FiOS TV subscribers. With custom stats, voting capabilities and more, combined with FiOS TV’s amazing picture-and-sound quality, our customers will get a truly high-def, real-time interactive experience. Once again, Verizon is first to offer our customers the most value for their premium subscription."