Liberate Technologies and sportscaster ESPN have got together to deliver enhanced programming on the Liberate TV Platform Compact software.
Liberate enables cable programmers and operators to provide enhanced programming and applications based on open-standards, with access to an array of interactive content and services. ESPN executive VP, affiliate sales and marketing Sean Bratches says compelling interactive television content was another significant way that the channle could create value for its affiliates.
Initial offerings of the enhanced programming include
# ESPN Today Plus VoD - a virtual channel with interactive sports information and advertisements; it will allow sports fans to participate in the game with data feeds from ESPN and links to commerce and advertising options. ESPN Today Plus VoD will be integrated with the Liberate VoD Hub product enabling viewers to order short form and long form VoD content. Additionally, viewers will be able to tailor the "on demand" content delivered to them.
# Synchronous programming - will provide viewers with the ability to get statistics related to the programming on the screen. Viewers will be able to receive interactive ticker information while watching ESPN‘s programming.
# ESPN Extra - 24/7 Interactive sports - a 24 hour a day, seven days per week real-time information update including scores, headlines, news stories, sports information and statistics. This will also include commerce and enhanced advertising opportunities.