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"Survivor - Africa"

CBS, which already offers an interactive version (viewable on Microsoft’s MSN TV Plus and UltimateTV boxes) of its “Crime Scene Investigation” series, has begun broadcasting a single- screen, enhancedTV version of the ever-popular show, “Survivor,” entirely sponsored by Chevrolet. All the conceptual development, production, and design was done by a team under vice president of strategic planning and interactive ventures, David Katz. Infrastructure and datacasting were provided by MixedSignals. The interactive elements have a “letter-box” design, rather than the “L-shaped” interface employed in many ITV projects. Features available to viewers include on-demand content, such as show history, info on game challenges, voting histories, contestant bios (e.g. where they’re from, their age, the luxury item they brought with them) and more. Viewers can also participate in polls, and vote who they think will be kicked out of the game. In a special Africa section, they can drill into information on that continent’s wildlife, climate, topography, and the history of the show’s location. CBS, not surprisingly, also offers a link to an online store. The interactive versions of “Survivor” and “CSI” offer 2 modes of viewing: passive push mode and active mode. In the former mode, the viewer can get relevant content pushed to him/her in context with events on screen. In the latter, the viewer can actively pursue details of interest. One thing clearly missing from the application is a chat environment (an app viewers often demand so they can discuss the show or characters-the BBC, for example, plans to offer this functionality in the near future across all digitalTV platforms). Katz is not a fan of chat during live television, and told [itvt] last week that he believes it takes “eyeballs” away from the show: “I love people to chat in our chatroom on the Web site when the show isn’t on. It means that they’re thinking about the characters and building the buzz, so I love that aspect of it.” When asked why CBS is supporting early-stage ITV applications, he said: “It’s to provide an extension of the viewing experience. It’s a retention and promotion tool as much as it is a separate business for the network in the long term. Now is the time to get involved.” “CSI” is up for a Bandies Award and was an IBC Awards finalist this year.

Producer: CBS
Network: CBS
Program: "Survivor - Africa"
Platform: Microsoft TV boxes
Application:
Appearing: October 10, 2001






Interactive popularity poll at bottom of screen




Linda Spencer, a 44-year-old mother of two from Cambridge, Massachusetts, was eliminated from compeition after this episode. At bottom, one can find out more about each of the players.












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