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Dish Network supports Interactive TV

Interactive TV (ITV) was suppose to be all the rage... 10 years ago

when the concept was first realized. Needless to say the idea hasn't quite been embraced by the public as was first thought.

It would seem that the average TV watcher is more interested in watching TV, not actual interactive engagement. The motivation to surf the Internet and shop from your TV just hasn't been that great. That would explain the upsurge of DVR, video on demand, and HD television. All these newer TV technologies add to watching TV, rather than interrupting it.

This past year interactive TV got an lift from a slightly different approach. By offering features integrated directly into the programming like games, customer service, and weather, interactive TV has a second wind, demonstrated by a commitment from Dish Network.

Dish Network invest in Interactive TV

Recently EchoStar put two new interactive TV channels, Trivia by Buzztime, and Fantasy Cup Auto Racing by Silverstar Holdings to the Dish Network satellite television service.

More of what's available from Dish Network programmming

Now Dish Network has a total of 22 interactive channels as part of TV programming to more than 8 million households. That makes Dish Network number one when it come to interactive TV service availability.

Dish Network gives access to interactive TV programming, games, sports, weather, entertainment, and even customer service, under DISH Home, channel 100. The interactive TV programs are an added bonus to the regular program package. Using DISH Home, customers can check the local weather, sports activities, or play interactive games like the new Trivia and Fantasy Cup Racing.

Cable will probably keep a close eye on the success, or lack there of, when it comes customer response to satellite's investment into interactive TV. Cable is very apprehensive about sinking money into the technology, but if satellite can come up with a working model, you better believe they won't be far behind. As of right now, cable is offering interactive TV in limited forms in select markets.

Dish Network's interactive TV channels are run by OpenTV, one of the interactive TV middleware companies. They provides software, content and programs for interactive TV services. Dish Network offers 22 popular interactive TV programs, including:

Weather - Customers can get current conditions and a five-day weather forecast for nearly 1,400 U.S. cities, national parks and destination locations.

Customer Service - Customers can view statements, pay their bill, add programming and get answers to frequently asked questions.

Trivia - Trivia buffs get a wide selection of questions in 6 categories. Buzztime's Trivia is available for $3.99 per month.

Fantasy Cup Auto Racing - Auto racing fans can compete in monthly contests. Fantasy Cup Auto Racing is available for $4.99 per month.

DISH Home also has available...

• Games - Playin'TV, KidsWise and Play Jam
• Entertainment information - Zap2it, Showtime and TV Mag
• Daily horoscopes
• News by Reuters
• Business news by Bloomberg
• Sports information
• Fantasy Baseball and Football.

DISH Home is accessible with the following model satellite dish receivers...

Model 3900, Model 4900, DISH 111, DISH 301, DISH 311, DISH 322, DISH 501, DISH 508, DISH Player-DVR 510, DISH Player-DVR 522.

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Dish Network satellite systems
HDTV, Interactive TV, DVR Video on Demand... EchoStar's Dish Network is satellite tv's total package.