BBC launches recommendation field trials

The BBC has this week commenced field trials as part of the EU-funded MyMedia project. The trial will look at recommendations as part of a seven-day web-based catch-up service across radio and TV.

Given that the constant flow of new programmes means user feedback is not immediately available to the reccomender system, the challenge is to use metadata in addition to implicit and explicit feedback in order to make the best recommendations.

In its third and final year four separate field trials will evaluate the technology in different applications and environments. The trial will initially be closed to help assist the assessment process.

Also involved in MyMedia are BT Research, the European Microsoft Innovation Center, Microgénesis, Novay and the Universities of Eindhoven and Hildesheim.