One of the first IPTV deployments in the UK, and possibly in Europe. here we have a look through the TV service and the Interactive services offered.
The set top box used was a Pace DSL4000, which was powered by Risc OS, with the ANT browser being used to render the KIT interface, and the interactive services.
This forum post has further information on how it all worked
Main Guide
The channel bar, that bares a resemblance to the ONdigital channel bar, however this one displays the date, and the program title and time remaining
It kinds looks like the Ondigital channel banner
The main TV guide listings, showing current program information
Looking at events in advance
Another look at the channel list, subscription channels are available through the service
Watching a PIN protected program via ON demand, conveniently it also shows how much has been spent this month on content.
Using the On demand interface to fast forward.
Interactive
Interactive was one of the main draws to the service, and Kingston invested heavily into them. The ANT Fresco browser was used to provide the service, which ran under a custom version of RISC OS
Main Portal
The Home screen
The main menu, this screen looks to take you to the main TV guide listings and the VOD listings
Top Picks – seems to be a showcase sort of service here certain programs are highlighted.
The loading screen
Like interactive cable, Kingston offered internet access and an email client built into the set top box.
Back then you could choose and download operator logo’s for your phone, which were downloaded via the GSM network, rather than through the set top box. here you are able to preview them.
Browsing the internet, The Kingston service included the ANT fresco browser
The main interactive portal, this was designed to be a competitor to the Sky active service offered by Sky, and the interactive services offered by cable, who’s interactive sites were written in HTML.
List of all retailer websites supported by the service
E-Commerce, the ability to purchase books and other releated goods
Another view of the interactive menu
Another interactive service, BlueSQ also had a service on Sky
Interactive home menu
Example of a sample advert series, that advertises local business
A third party website
BBCi Hull
News service on BBCi, which features news headlines and local bulletins
GCSE Bitesize
BBC Bitesize, an edutainment service by the BBC
Raw Talent
The Trench
Interactive counterpart to the TV program
BBC Sport
Eastenders
EastEnders microsite, contains additional material in relation to the show
Hull Life
A local focused newsletter
Video Nation
A local based service, which provided clips of local residents.
Yes
Yes was the main on demand content provider
My Life in your hands
This was an experimental VOD program that have the user multiple choices on where to progress the story, similar to games like Heavy Rain or Detroit: Become Human, the choices would affect the plot and would result in a different ending.
2002
Interactive portal on a later or revised version, since many functions are now covered here.
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