China Network Systems Launches Interactive TV Program on Baseball Games

Taipei, Oct. 7, 2005 (CENS)--China Network Systems Co. (CNS) yesterday unveiled an interactive TV program based on Taiwan's professional baseball games. The program will be shown on the CNS "Total TV" digital cable TV channel in cooperation with VideoLand TV Station.

Taiwan's largest multiple system operator (MSO), CNS is a joint venture between Koo's Group and Asia's largest content service provider, Star Group. The company offers an integrated service named TriplePlay, which incorporates broadband telephony, broadband Internet access, and interactive TV.

CNS said the interactive TV program based on professional baseball games is Asia's first digital channel totally developed by a Taiwanese firm. With a specially designed set-top-box, CNS subscribers will be able to access Taiwan's professional baseball games at any time.

The digital channel developed by CNS allows subscribers to talk with professional baseball players by sending text message by their cell phones, and viewers will also be able to cast ballots to choose their favorite players. In the foreseeable future, the company will launch more advanced functions on the digital channel, such as replay and multi-angle viewing.

CNS chief operating executive Chang Cheng-an noted Total TV subscribers enjoy exclusive channels not available on regular cable TV in Taiwan today, including 30 digital music programs, electronic games, local entertainment guides and real-time information such as news, weather, traffic and flight schedules.

At present Total TV provides features such as the "IPG" (interactive program guide) to allow convenient browsing of program schedules up to several days in advance. Total TV also offers program booking, "Favorite Channel Selection" that provides a shortcut to viewers' preferred channels, and the "Parental Lock," through which parents can ensure their family has access only to programs and channels they consider appropriate.