IFA 2007 – BERLIN. German broadcasters have begun to roll out the first Blucom applications, the interactive service from Astra, which combines the STB with the mobile phone – or ‘handy’ as they call it here in Germany. In order for Blucom to work, users must own a Bluetooth enabled phone and download client software. The first applications were launched earlier this year in April.
ProSieben Blucom is the name of a new service, which allows people to send and receive emails from their phones. There is no service charge, but users pay the regular data rate to their mobile phone company. The service works independently of the set-top box and the satellite transmission and will be promoted on air by the broadcaster.
MTV Networks announced it will use Blucom to transmit synchronous information with broadcasts of its MTV and Viva channels. This will allow viewers to participate in programmes, even when they are not able to see the actual broadcast, eg when voting in Get The Clip and TRL.
Food channel TV Gusto said it will offer recipes using the technology. During programmes viewers can request a recipe by pressing a few buttons on the phone and have it delivered to their email inbox. People who register online can also create their own personal cook book containing their favourite recipes from the channel. Also, some additional information services about the programmes will become available.
