how it works
Pearl ties television and the Internet without interrupting on-screen programming.
Digital cable and satellite subscribers are given the opportunity to opt-in to the Pearl service. As a part of this process, basic demographic data is collected. The service is free to viewers and requires no additional equipment or installation.
Viewers ask for more information on a topic by pushing a button on their remote when they see the Pearl icon. The Pearl can appear during regular programming, commercials, DVR-recorded content, or even on DVDs. A click sets in motion a complex but transparent electronic back channel that quickly delivers a web page link to the viewer's email inbox.
Operators, advertisers and content providers have access to a password-protected website containing real-time demographic information on specific viewer reaction. This instant, never-before-available data is invaluable for making changes in marketing decisions and advertising placement. At last, television advertising can be tied to real-time, accurate tracking.
The Pearl application can be scaled rapidly and conveniently on the new Enhanced TV through the ETV-BIF platform, a standard defined by the CableLabs' OpenCable ETV project.
The Pearl software application can be developed and delivered without installing any new hardware in the consumers' homes or downloading any software onto the consumers' existing set-top box.
Operators and content providers will need Pearl's web-integrated Authoring Tool Suite to create interactive TV and email content.
Say hi to Pearl. 'Click'...TV to your inbox.
