Malaysia’s Astro Launches Red-Button Interactive TV Services with NPTV’s Solutions

CHICAGO, April 4, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — Astro, the provider of Direct-To-Home satellite multi-channel television services in Malaysia, has launched its “Red Button” Interactive TV (ITV).  Using French-based NPTV’s technology and authoring tools, Astro said it is currently offering to its viewers, multiple “Red Button” services in its broadcast programs and soon, advertisements.

Astro first delivered its “Red Button” service in June 2004, beginning with an enhanced TV service on popular TV program “Akademi Fantasia,” the localized version of Mexico’s “La Academia.”  The service was made accessible by pressing the Red Button on the Astro remote control, prompted by the “Red Button” icon on-screen.  Upon accessing the service, viewers were able to catch daily updated news of the contestants, view latest statistics of the viewers’ votes, download logos, ringtones and more.

Astro’s “Red Button” ITV service was designed using NPTV’s ITV Factory and ITV Graphix, and deployed using ITV Synchro and the Bando™ “thin-client” technology. NPTV’s technology has been integrated by Astro to make rapid deployment of Red Button services and is part of the Enhanced TV Pack distributed by NDS™ France to Astro.

Astro plans to offer more “Red Button” services in the near future for enhanced programming of its local and international channels as well as interactive advertising for major brands.

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