2.6 Interactive Music Programs

Music programming (e.g., MTV, VH1), fund-raisers, and live shows are often broadcast on TV. Such programs lend themselves to be extended by interactivity because, when compared to other types of programs, viewer experience places significant emphasis on the audio portion of the program and is not as tightly embedded in the video portion of the program.

Except when live shows are broadcast, to which this scenario does not apply well, it is reasonable to assume that interactivity could be introduced offline using stored material. Such interactivity could enable selection of a video component from a collection of possibly synchronized video components . It could also introduce hot spots selectable at specific times during the video. See Great Performances DTV Demo for examples [ETVCOOK].

2.6.1 Multi-camera Enhancements

As the viewer watches a performance or live concert, a small semi-transparent icon entitled cameras appears on the screen indicating that various camera angles are selectable. On selection of that icon, the viewer is presented with the currently selected camera angle enlarged on the top-left portion of the screen, as well as a list of smaller views of other available camera angles; all the videos displayed are synchronized.

The viewer uses the up and down selectors in the remote control to select one of the camera angles. Typically, the views are organized in a matrix. When a view is selected, then that view is enlarged to occupy a full screen view. Some systems have primary and secondary views. The primary view occupies the full screen, and the secondary view is a smaller picture overlaid on a corner of the primary view.

It is possible that only selected portions of the program will be associated with multiple camera angles. During that time, the interactivity icon may flash periodically to indicate the availability of these options. When a selected camera angle video is terminated and is no longer available, the display switches automatically to the default camera angle; if a switch is made from multiple cameras to a single camera, the display switches automatically to the available view. See Great Performances DTV Demo for examples [ETVCOOK].

This scenario makes a strong assumption that the camera angles are delivered by multiple distinct video streams that are synchronized. Another important assumption is that multiple video decoding pipelines are supported by the receiver or player. A video pipeline requires dedicated hardware that may not be available in low-end receivers. Two decoding pipelines are likely to be available in all receivers, for example, to enable picture-in-picture capabilities. Three or more decoding pipelines are likely to be available only in high-end receivers.

2.6.2 Selectable Video Regions

As the viewer watches the music video, a small semi-transparent icon entitled spots could appear on the screen indicating that various hot-spots are selectable. On selection of that icon, the viewer is presented with highlighted regions whose selection provides additional information. The viewer uses the up and down selectors in the remote control to select a region of interest. Typically, selecting a highlighted region pauses the main video and presents supplemental information in an overlay page occupying a portion of the display. A second selection enlarges that page to occupy the full screen and the video is paused . When the information page is closed, main video resumes from where it left off. Alternatively, selection of a hot spot presents the information in a small window overlaid on the main video, using a picture-in-picture format. For examples, see the Hot Spot Video in the Great Performances DTV Demo [ETVCOOK].

This scenario makes strong assumptions about the ability to define regions, the selection of which is meaningful during long periods containing several hundreds of frames . The transport or program needs to contain tight frame-level synchronization of the presentation and removal of the hot-spot on the screen; this synchronization must survive pausing of the program.

Yet another assumption is the accurate alignment of the highlighted graphics with the video. This highlighting is likely to be presented by an application and not be part of the video. Such applications display on a graphic plane that is different from the video plane, requiring appropriate configuration and alignment of the two planes. Such alignment is easy to break in case the target display format is different from the display format to which the program was optimized. As a result, authors may need to prepare a different version for each target display format.

2.6.3 Music Distribution Models

As the viewer watches the music video, a small semi-transparent icon entitled download appears on the screen indicating that audio files are available for download. On selection of that icon, the viewer is presented with an interactive TV application, which allows the viewer to purchase their favorite music CD anytime of day using a 24- hour -a-day interactive music shopping service. The application presents a list of available music downloads and their prices. Download items include individual songs as well as collections and albums. Each item listed includes the duration and availability schedule.

After selection of a download item, the viewer is presented with a form requesting the entry of billing information. On (manual or automatic) completion of this form, the viewer selects the buy or download option, which in effect schedules a future download during the specified time window. After the download, a financial transaction is completed by the receiver on behalf of the viewer; no charges should be posted until the download is complete. Once the audio content has been downloaded, it can be used by the viewer whenever he or she pleases.

This scenario makes the assumption that, during prime time, there may not be sufficient bandwidth or it may not be economically viable to insert the downloadable music files. Some music libraries would require long hours to download. However, during off-peak hours, such as over night, such music file insertion may be economical.

Another important assumption of this scenario is that the receiver is able to present the viewer with some reasonable capability to store and organize the music files and assign them meaningful names . Without such an interface, it may be very difficult to identify the music files without listening to them.

An example of a successful music service is MTVi in Europe. It is an iTV application that enables viewers to interact directly with MTV, allowing them to cast their vote for award nominees in each category while simultaneously being entered into a prize drawing to win a trip to New York. The service also features alternative voting categories and commentaries for the awards, a daily quiz to win merchandise, and access to event information, news, and gossip.

Launched for the MTV Europe Music Awards 2001, the iTV service saw over 1 million votes cast on the Sky Digital platform alone, establishing new revenue streams as well as adding a new dimension to the MTV viewer experience. The service increased MTV's ratings and viewing session lengths, securing the awards their highest ever ratings in the UK.