01.08.02
Revolutionary
software turns Pocket PCs into personalised TV guide and remote
control
Users
of PDAs featuring Microsoft WindowsΒ® Powered Pocket PC software
can now take advantage of a revolutionary service that turns their
device into a listings guide and a remote control for TVs and set-top
boxes.
Radio
Times on your PDA was successfully launched in April, earning positive
reviews from national and trade press including the Financial Times,
Daily Mirror, New Media Age and Web User. It is the only system
of its kind in the UK and is now being offered for handheld devices
using Microsoft's Pocket PC.
The
application combines the latest programme information from Britain's
best broadcasting magazine, Radio Times, with unique software from
TVcompass that displays daily listings clearly and concisely on
the PDA's screen. The device also becomes a remote control, using
its infrared beam to interact with most major brands of television
and digital set-top box.
Whenever
the PDA is synchronised, listings updates are received automatically
and the information is therefore always the latest available.
The
software can be downloaded from www.radiotimes.com/pda, through
a simple install and set-up wizard. This also lets users select
their brand of TV and offers options to customise the line-up of
listings from TV channels across all platforms.
Radio
Times on your PDA costs Β£14.95, which includes one year of TV listings,
upgrades and customer support. Full details are available online.
"This
service demonstrates the versatility of Pocket PC software, applying
the authority of Radio Times to the rich and interactive user experience
unique to the Pocket PC," says Annemarie Duffy, Mobility Marketing
Manager, Microsoft EMEA. "We are delighted to see such innovative
applications coming from partners such as TVcompass."
Background
information:
TVcompass
TVcompass
was founded in 1998 to provide cost effective solutions for interactive
television. Viewers use TV remotes, Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs) and mobile phones to send and receive information without
affecting the broadcast stream. TVcompass solutions can also provide
a low-cost reliable return path for all terrestrial, cable and satellite
services. The company has a broad patent portfolio, including patents
on a wireless remote control - a TV remote connected to a wireless
network. The wireless network provides an interactive TV return
path. This product is available as part of home shopping, gaming
and research solutions for interactive TV. TVcompass is a privately
held UK company with offices in London and San Francisco. For further
information please visit www.tvcompass.com.
Radio
Times
Radio Times is Britain's premier guide to quality TV, radio and
film, and has spent 78 years telling the story of broadcasting.
Covering the best TV, radio and film, the magazine currently sells
1.2 million copies each week and was the first listings title in
the UK to launch an electronic extension, at www.radiotimes.com.
The web site also includes Radio Times' database of more than 20,000
film reviews, which forms the basis of two books - the Radio Times
Guides to Films and Science Fiction.
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