In an attempt to enhance viewing for sports fans and kids, EchoStar Communications’ Dish Network is launching ESPN Interactive Zone and Disney Channel Interactive TV, officials said Monday.
The applications will be available to more than 12 million Dish Network subscribers that receive interactive television service. Dish has also been offering interactive home shopping and advertising features.
The ESPN Interactive Zone will offer sports fans a “dashboard” featuring up-to-the-minute news, scores, standings, and rankings for the major professional and college sports.
Fans can launch the ESPN Interactive Zone by clicking on an on-screen button that is available during selected programs on ESPN channels, or from DishHOME Channel 100. Once inside, fans can tune in to all ESPN channels available on Dish Network, and check out TV schedule listings for the ESPN channels.
Key features of ESPN Interactive Zone include: updated scores for all of the day’s games; ESPN headline news and stories; bottomline, with scrolling headlines and scores across the bottom of the screen; a reduced-size video feed that allows fans to continue watching ESPN channels while using the interactive zone; TV listings for all ESPN networks; and interactive advertising opportunities.
Moreover, fans can select the sport of their choice for immediate access to the information they care about most.
Disney Channel's interactive application enables Dish Network subscribers to set DVRs for the network’s featured programs; obtain show information from the ticker on the main menu; and to interact with show-related content.
After accessing the application through DishHOME Channel 100, users will also be able to preview and play basic levels of dozens of exclusive, character-based, arcade-style games featuring some of Disney Channel's most popular programming including Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Kim Possible.
The application also allows for Dish users to go directly to the live Disney Channel East, Channel 172, from all of the show-related pages at any time.
“Teaming with Dish on these new interactive television services marks a whole new world of opportunity for both consumers and advertisers," David Preschlack, executive vice president of Disney and ESPN Media Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, said in a statement. “In addition to enhancing the traditional television viewing experience, applications such as the ESPN Interactive Zone give advertisers a more robust vehicle for reaching audiences with intensive, targeted interactive ad campaigns than ever before.”
