3G Video Call into Television News Shows
Specialist video service provider, All New Video has launched a series of converged 3G, IP video and VoIP calling services that will allow increased interactivity with news programs from the BBC television channel. BBC viewers will be asked to call into the show from their phone, PCs and 3G mobile video phones. Once users are connected, the participants will be greeted with an interactive media response (IMR). Using the telephone keypad, participants will be offered the choice of recording a video or voice message for the show, or alternatively connecting directly into the show for a two way voice or video conversation with the presenters.
Unlike many previous attempts at 3G and IP calling into a TV studio All New Video's solution provides both producers and production assistants with the ability to 'interview' potential participants and therefore provide them with a far greater level of control over which calls are accepted and sent to air and which calls are not. More importantly this service caters not just for 3G but also for any PC users via a Web Cam and a web based video client, therefore increasing the size of the potential user base. Based upon advanced IP technology this service will also cater for existing voice and VoIP calls, in addition to Video calls.
The service is highly flexible and can be used for applications such as a news gathering by both reporters and viewers, in addition to TV video 'phone-ins'. The first program to take advantage of this new service will be 'Have Your Say' which is aired on BBC World and BBC News 24, however it has already been targeted for a series of other high profile news gathering programs.
All New Video CTO, Lee Woodland, said "To be able to work with the BBC in enabling a converged 3G and IP video calling service really highlights the progression of the technology, the services and its increasingly important role in news gathering and user generated content. This is a positive sign of more to come from All New Video."
Posted to the site on 11th August 2006