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For the first time ever, live SMS chatting and voting was featured in
nationwide high-definition interactive TV. Pangolin’s Interactive
Messaging Unlimited (IMU) system ran the ground-breaking event, allowing
cell-phone users to send SMS text messages which were then broadcast on
the “INHD” cable channel. They could also vote on various topics, such as
their presidential choice and their
favorite song of the INHD-featured band, “Yellowcard”.
The interactive program was a half-hour
lead-in to a live HD concert by Yellowcard, winners of the
MTV2
viewer’s choice award. The Pangolin IMU system used four areas on the
1080i high-definition screen: a video pre-show about Yellowcard, a graphic
area for ads, an SMS chat area, and an SMS voting area. About 200 messages
were selected for display during the event. In addition, four SMS voting
sessions were conducted during the half-hour.
 All SMS processing and HD screen display
was done by the Pangolin IMU system, in its HD premiere. Other firsts of
the broadcast include:
- The first use of Windows Media Technology
in a broadcast scenario
- The first interactive TV program done in
high-definition.
- Other industry partners in the ground-breaking
broadcast included InDemand networks (INHD cable channels), Alphabit (HD
productions and SMS promotions), Capitol Records (Yellowcard’s label) and
Rock2Win.com (SMS sweepstakes)
An earlier version of the Yellowcard
application received second place in a competition at the prestigious iWireless World conference. This recognition showed how easy Pangolin’s
IMU is to use. The Yellowcard application was put together using IMU in
about an hour. In contrast, some of the other programs entered in the
competition took months or even years to create.
ABOUT PANGOLIN’S
IMU
Interactive Messaging Unlimited
allows large-scale public displays of SMS text and picture messages. It
processes incoming SMS text messages and outputs them to video, for use in
venues such as concerts, nightclubs, trade shows, cable TV chat channels,
and special events. IMU can even control laser graphics projectors, to
create huge scrolling text messages on the sides of buildings or
mountains.
Pangolin’s IMU was recently used at the
prestigious iWireless World conference in Los Angeles. During
presentations, audience members submitted questions for the speakers, by
sending SMS text messages. These were displayed on video projectors,
either during the presentation itself or afterwards, during the Q&A
session. Both modes worked extremely well, producing thoughtful questions
throughout the presentations.
ABOUT PANGOLIN
Pangolin is the world leader in laser
display systems. Over 80% of professional laser shows, worldwide, use
Pangolin’s Lasershow Designer 2000 system. LD2000 has won
more technical
and artistic international awards than all other laser display systems
combined.
Pangolin’s IMU system for SMS texting was
first implemented for laser projectors. It was later expanded to handle
video. A single IMU video screen can have various windows with live or
recorded video, SMS text messages, SMS voting polls, scrolling text,
advertising, and graphics. More information is at
www.pangolinSMS.com.
ABOUT ALPHABIT
Alphabit is a pioneer in the
development and production of interactive HDTV show productions. Alphabit
currently has five HDTV interactive shows in production and aims to make
static TV viewers into engaged, connected fans. Alphabit is based in Los
Angeles.
ABOUT INHD
INHD and INHD2 comprise a suite of 24/7
high definition networks that features commercial-free movies,
professional and college sports and general interest programming which
maximize the HD television experience. INHD provides superior images and
sound and more native HD programming than any other network.
INHD is owned and operated by iN DEMAND
Networks. Company shareholders are Comcast iN DEMAND Holdings, Inc., Cox
Communications, Inc. and Time Warner Entertainment - Advance/Newhouse
Partnership. INHD and INHD2 are available on Adelphia, Bright House,
Cablevision, Comcast, Cox, and Time Warner cable systems. Further
information about INHD can be found on the Internet at
www.inhd.com.
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