History has teamed with Delivery Agent on a TV-commerce app that's launched on Verizon FiOS TV.
Termed "the first contextual commerce application accessible to network programming viewers," the History Shop app lets FiOS TV viewers use their remote to buy merchandise related to and seen on series such as Pawn Stars, American Pickers and Ice Road Truckers.
In a release, History said the app was built by Delivery Agent and tested in Verizon's labs and in-home trials. It taps into Delivery Agent's proprietary database of products mapped to television content in order to present the right products at the right time.
For example, while watching Pawn Stars, customers can use their FiOS TV remote to click to purchase a wide range of brands and products including (pictured): classic bikes from Schwinn, vintage-inspired consumer electronics from Crosley, Civil War and presidential memorabilia from The Franklin Mint and the complete show season on DVD.
"The History Shop application is an exciting first, because it enables viewers to see and buy things at the moment they're most interested -- while their favorite shows are on screen," Mark Garner, SVP of Distribution Business Development, Analytics & Marketing at A+E Networks, said in the release. "This is a great convenience for History fans and a great selling opportunity for us."
To access the new application, viewers watching History programming click on the History icon that will appear on the TV screen. The application displays shopping items for the customer to view and purchase on the right hand side of the TV screen while the television program runs on the left.
Viewers can then use their remote control to purchase items and securely check out using Delivery Agent's TV Wallet transaction engine.
Viewers also can access the History Shop application through the FiOS TV Application Storefront under the Featured and Shopping categories.
History is available for FiOS TV customers on channels 128 in standard-definition and 628 in high-definition.
"FiOS TV is a highly innovative and interactive service that puts technology in viewers' hands to enhance and transform their home-entertainment experiences," Rachelle Zoffer, director, Content Acquisition and Programming for Verizon, said in the release. "Our strategic partnership with A+E Networks and Delivery Agent breaks down old technology barriers and frees subscribers to access products they want in new and exciting ways."
Monetizing content for more than 40 leading television programmers, Delivery Agent operates and manages the online stores for more than 350 television shows and has secured the rights to market and sell more than one million products connected to television content, including A+E Network's shows, the release said.
"The technology advancements driving this ground-breaking television commerce initiative are extraordinary," Mike Fitzsimmons, Delivery Agent CEO, said in the release. "This is the first time anyone has successfully aligned the goals and requirements of the three essential players in contextual
television commerce; the entertainment television programmer, the television service provider and the brands/products seen in entertainment content."
