Interactive television

Interactive television, like video on-demand, gives viewers the ability to control what occurs on the television screen.

However, the concept goes much further than fast-forwarding and rewinding programs. The goal of interactive television is to allow the viewer to interact and participate with television programs.

So, how can a viewer participate in a program, aside from watching it?

Some applications of interactive television have included communicating with the broadcaster to order products, or vote on an outcome at the end of a program. Viewers may also control their viewing experience, such as by changing the camera angle during a football match.

In the future, viewers may be able to text chat or play games with friends from across the country as they watch the same program. They may be able to influence what happens in programs like a choose-your-own-adventure book, or change the costumes and characters in a show.