TBS Superstation Puts 'Cyber Bond' In Motion With 50-Plus Hours of TV/Web Convergence Programming, Powered By Hypertv
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Unprecedented Synchronized TV/Web Experience Would Even Impress Q as "15 Days of 007" Movie Festival & "Cyber Bond" Continue Through Dec. 11
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1999-- The most compelling, interactive TV/Web convergence experience ever offered has gotten off to a strong start in conjunction with TBS Superstation's ``15 Days of 007' movie festival. ``Cyber Bond' on TBSsuperstation.com, powered by HyperTV© Networks, is delivering an unprecedented TV/Web convergence experience as part of the TBS Superstation Bond festival's on-line component. Through Dec. 11, more than 50 hours of television programming during ``15 Days of 007' will be enhanced by the ``Cyber Bond' TV/Web cast, making it the largest and most dynamic undertaking of its kind.
Powered by HyperTV©, ``Cyber Bond' viewers can automatically receive relevant Web content and interact with an online community of 007 fans via their computer. The automated delivery of Web content is synchronized to correspond to each of the James Bond films airing during the ``15 Days of 007' festival on TBS Superstation through Dec. 11. Viewers participating on the first night in any of the numerous chat rooms -- named for famous Bond cities such as Monte Carlo, London, Paris and Moscow -- were buzzing about ``Cyber Bond,' frequently commenting on the ``coolness factor,' the real-time synchronization, and the new life that ``Cyber Bond' brings to the movies.
The HyperTV-enhanced Web content plays off classic Bond themes -- international intrigue, scheming villains, snazzy gadgets created by Q, beautiful women and non-stop action -- while challenging Bond fans with interactive 007 trivia and allowing anyone to chat on-line with other participants worldwide during the films. In addition, questions inserted throughout the TV/Web cast are designed to give Turner Entertainment a profile of the convergent households participating in ``Cyber Bond.'
``'Cyber Bond' offers our viewers a much more interesting and entertaining experience than the one-time webcast stunts that have been done before,' said Richard Turner, director of online marketing for TBS Superstation. ``Our goal is to develop a TV/Web convergence model that has long-term viability as an entertainment vehicle. HyperTV has made 'Cyber Bond`` a truly dynamic online community, where our viewers can not only receive cool Web content that relates to the movie as they're watching, but also allows them to chat with other 007 fans all over the world. It also offers our network and our sponsors a superb method of leveraging the Web for brand-building purposes, creating one-to-one relationships with an expanding audience of consumers.'
Daily through Dec. 11, TBS Superstation will showcase 17 films (34 total airings), featuring Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby as Bond...James Bond.
To experience ``Cyber Bond,' viewers log-on to TBSsuperstation.com, register, and download the free HyperTV plug-in. ``Cyber Bond' events run simultaneous to each of the airings during the movie festival (a complete ``15 Days of 007' schedule can be found at TBSsuperstation.com). Viewers only need to have a television set with access to TBS Superstation via cable or satellite, and a computer with an Internet connection located in the same room to enjoy the complete ``Cyber Bond' experience.
Bond World Tour Sweepstakes
All viewers who register for ``Cyber Bond' are automatically entered into the Bond World Tour Sweepstakes. Grand prize is a travel package for two, including a 10-day, 9-night European excursion. The winners will travel to London, Paris and Amsterdam with first-class accommodations and tour packages in each city. The Grand prize also includes $1,500 cash and a $2,500 Circuit City Gift Card.
Five first-prize winners will receive a $500 Circuit City Gift Card. 15 second-prize winners will receive a leather ``15 Days of 007' travel bag, and 45 third-prize winners will receive a hunter green fleece ``15 Days of 007' vest. 150 fourth-prize winners will receive a leather ``15 Days of 007' CD case, as well as ``The Best of Bond' CD, and 300 fifth-prize winners will receive a ``15 Days of 007' t-shirt. Winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entries.
On-air promotions for ``15 Days of 007,' the exciting ``Cyber Bond' events, and the Bond World Tour Sweepstakes feature John Cleese, who co-stars in ``The World Is Not Enough' as R. Spots will continue to air on TBS Superstation and other Turner networks throughout the festival.
The HyperTV software solution provides viewers with a richer interactive experience and allows them to become part of a dynamic virtual community, while allowing TV programmers and advertisers to extend their brand identity, access lucrative e-commerce revenue streams, develop one-to-one relationships with viewers, and differentiate their program offerings today. HyperTV also has a database capability that allows TV networks, programmers and advertisers to capture valuable permission-based marketing information.
The HyperTV software is a browser plug-in for newer versions of either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, the most popular web browsers. HyperTV is software-based, without hardware or chip dependency, and can operate on any of today's principal PC operating systems. It is fully compatible with analog or digital television and broadband delivery infrastructures.
As next generation digital set-top boxes, cable modems and other digital consumer devices are deployed, viewers will be able to enjoy a HyperTV experience with each of the elements -- video, audio, synchronized Web content, Web-based ads, e-commerce and chat -- simultaneously delivered directly to their television screen or to their desktop computer.
About TBS Superstation
TBS Superstation, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s flagship network seen in 78.6 million households, is watched by more people than any other cable network and has been for 22 consecutive years. The Superstation features popular movies, original programming, outstanding sports and favorite comedies. The Superstation's Web site is located at TBSsuperstation.com. |
