FutureTV Launches Personalized 'Pay-As-You-Use' DTV Model
FutureTV sets the biggest challenge yet to the status quo of the key digital TV providers with the launch of the first personalized ""pay-as-you-use"" model into the U.S. market. The launch is a direct response to the demand of consumers, who in recent studies* confirmed they would prefer this to the current subscription method. Using personalized smart card technology, FutureTV's unique pay-as-you-use billing means that a viewers' account is debited only for the time they actually spend watching their chosen programs, whether in part or in full. This not only puts an end to fixed bills, but also means that with the price of each program clearly displayed on the screen, the viewers have complete control over their spending. Practical in its design, the system is quick and easy to use. FutureTV offers more than the current interactive TV offerings of home shopping and banking. Subscribers can choose from a range of facilities on its global service network. The service is called Mi and at the touch of a button it enables users to: - Navigate the Mi personalized electronic program guide - 24-hour access video on-demand and audio on-demand - Receive an unlimited number of live digital TV and radio programs - Send and receive e-mail - Browse the Internet - Shop for goods and services - Play games - Make low cost telephone calls *NOP Research, November 1999 As subscribers continue to use the various Mi services, i.e. Mi Music, Mi Guide, Mi Movies, the FutureTV system uses the data to develop personalized screens for each service to reflect the individual's preferred viewing or listening habits. This provides a level of profiling data previously unparalleled and changes the way advertisements can be viewed. ""Backed by investment house, Eden Capital Ltd, FutureTV provides an end-to-end network solution which can interface seamlessly with existing cable TV and telephone networks to deliver interactive services and content. Now that we are ready to make the system available to the market, we eagerly look to forward-thinking operators to partner with us for deployment,"" said Ricky Rand, CEO & President, Technology. Described in a recent Merrill Lynch report on Broadband Interactive Services, as ""the most complete convergence service technically ready now,"" FutureTV is an integrated full service network solution which can deliver its range of new interactive facilities through the television and computer on demand. The Internet and e-mail facilities are incorporated as part of the package and require no additional complicated log-on systems, meaning that viewers can simultaneously watch their favorite TV program, while accessing the Internet. In addition to consumers on public networks, the system is also compatible for use within the business environment in such vertical markets as training/education, hospitality, travel and broadcast video production. For network operators, the system provides a significant competitive advantage, namely, the ability to provide a cost-effective, one-stop shop for customer communication needs.