>> ACTV's patented software solution for the creation and delivery of TV-Internet convergence programming <<
Seems to me that ought to cover that issue...:-)
biz.yahoo.com
Tuesday November 23, 6:02 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
ACTV Acquires Assets of CatchTV, Including Key TV-Internet "Bookmarking" Technology
Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio for TV-Internet Convergence Programming, Powered By HyperTV(TM)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 23, 1999-- ACTV, Inc. (NASDAQ: IATV - news) today announced it has acquired all the assets of CatchTV. Included in the assets are the rights to proprietary and patented technology that enables a television viewer to "bookmark" information from the Internet that is related to a TV program or advertisement (U.S. Patent No. 5,907,322). The "bookmarking" technology, along with other elements of CatchTV's service, will be incorporated into HyperTV(TM), ACTV's patented software solution for the creation and delivery of TV-Internet convergence programming. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The announcement was made by William C. Samuels, chairman and chief executive officer, ACTV, Inc.
The "bookmarking" technology enables viewers to save addresses of Web pages (URLs) that are related to TV programming, and view them BEFORE, DURING or AFTER the TV program has aired. By incorporating these capabilities into HyperTV, ACTV can offer TV networks, programmers and advertisers the ability to more effectively extend their brands to the Web and create new e-commerce revenue streams, without pulling viewer "eyeballs" away from the TV programming. HyperTV enables TV networks, programmers and advertisers to automatically deliver to consumers compelling interactive Web content, Web-based advertising messages, e-commerce, and community chat features that are synchronized to correspond with a live or pre-recorded television program.
"We were looking for the best opportunity for bringing our technology to the marketplace. We believe ACTV has put together a suite of products and services, supported by an extensive intellectual property portfolio, that strongly positions them to deliver the best solution," said David McGlade, president and chief executive officer, CatchTV. "By combining the assets of CatchTV into HyperTV, television advertisers will be able to maximize their ad dollars by targeting consumers with the direct-response, one-to-one marketing capabilities of the Web, while TV networks and programmers won't have to worry about Web efforts diluting their audience."
Earlier this year, ACTV acquired U.S. Patent No. 5,761,606 (aka "The Wolzien Process") from Wall Street media analyst Tom Wolzien. The patent covers a proprietary process for allowing consumers to "pull" information from the Internet that is synchronized to a specific video program, audio program, commercial message or news story delivered via broadcast television, cable, satellite or pre-recorded media. The Wolzien Process was a key addition to ACTV's intellectual property portfolio for HyperTV, helping to position the software as a leading solution for TV/Web convergence.
"We're always pursuing ways to strengthen our market position through cutting-edge technology. The 'bookmarking' capability developed by CatchTV further differentiates HyperTV from any service available today for TV/Web convergence programming," said Kevin Liga, chief technology officer, ACTV, Inc. "CatchTV's technology makes HyperTV more user-friendly, enabling a viewer to interact as much or as little as they'd like with the complementary Web content, without feeling pressured to immediately view the content, memorize URLs or launch an extensive Web search during the TV program."
Yesterday, TBS Superstation announced that its "15 Days of 007" James Bond movie festival, airing Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, will feature a brand new on-line "Cyber Bond" component at TBSsuperstation.com, powered by HyperTV. ACTV also recently announced an agreement with New Line Television to enhance the pay-per-view airings of AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME with a feature-length, interactive TV/Web convergence experience utilizing HyperTV. New Line Television will back the January 1, 2000 premiere of their blockbuster with the biggest pay-per-view promotion ever. ACTV has also reached agreements to enhance TV programming with HyperTV from The Box Music Network, part of MTV Networks, and Showtime Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA - news).
About HyperTV(TM)
ACTV's patented HyperTV software solution provides viewers with a richer interactive experience and allows them to become part of a dynamic virtual community, while allowing 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.
According to a survey by Paul Kagan Associates and Showtime Networks, nearly one in five U.S. households currently exhibits convergent behavior, simultaneously viewing television and accessing the Internet, representing more than 20 million convergent households in the U.S -- a number that continues to rapidly increase.
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, chip or platform 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 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 ACTV, Inc.
ACTV, Inc. (NASDAQ: IATV - news) has pioneered TV/Web convergence programming with its patented HyperTV(TM) software solution. The company is also a leader in interactive digital television with its proprietary "Individualized Television" and "Individualized Advertising" software and programming capabilities. ACTV offers superior, practical solutions for television networks and programmers, advertisers, cable operators, educators, students and consumers looking to leverage the emergence of digital television and the broadband delivery infrastructure.
ACTV has relationships with many of the dominant players in the Internet, television and digital technology fields, including key strategic investments from Liberty Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: LDIG - news) and General Instrument Corporation (NYSE: GIC - news). HyperTV Networks, Inc., and ACTV Entertainment are subsidiaries of ACTV, Inc. Visit ACTV's Web site at actv.com
Disclaimer: This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, and other risks defined in this document and in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Contact:
Bratskeir & Company
Mike Rosen
212/679-2233, ext. 213
mrosen@bratskeir.com |
