TELEVISION experts are calling on people in Ipswich to help forge the future of the way we watch the box.Researchers at BTs base at Adastral Park, Martlesham Heath, are developing a concept that could shape the way people watch television in years to come but need help from the public to develop it.
TELEVISION experts are calling on people in Ipswich to help forge the future of the way we watch the box.
Researchers at BTs base at Adastral Park, Martlesham Heath, are developing a concept that could shape the way people watch television in years to come but need help from the public to develop it.
As revealed in The Evening Star last month, “ShapeShifted” TV allows viewers to text in during a programme and have their say on how a storyline develops.
The technology has already been tested during a romantic comedy drama called Accidental Lovers which was aired by a Finnish broadcaster at Christmas and the system has also been trialled on news programmes in Sweden.
BT is now hoping to get input from people in the UK by trialling a ShapeShifted documentary about the Arts in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Doug Williams, project director for BT, said: “We are asking viewers to come along so we can put them in front of the TV and all they have to do is watch the programme and interact accordingly.
“We are trying to understand whether it's an enjoyable experience.
“We have created something that gives people the ability to determine what they are watching - you have only been able to do this in the past by changing channel.
“We need to determine whether it is attractive to people.”
BT is hoping for between six and 10 people to help with the trial.
Evaluators will be asked to go to the BT Labs at Adastral Park for a couple of hours on Wednesday July 18th during the day.
They will be asked to watch the programme and to provide feedback via a short discussion.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Doug Williams on 01473 647264 or e-mail doug.williams@ist-nm2.org.
Do you think the ShapeShifted idea will catch on?
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