Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2011 about TV on Monday 14th March

NBC.com creates unique content and interactive experiences that enhance/support NBC's on-air television programming. From Chuck's Mission: Chuck Me Out to The Office's Subtle Sexuality webisodes, the staff at NBC.com builds relationships with the shows to create compelling content and communities for users to engage with beyond the standard 30-60 minute time-slot on-air.

LEVEL: Intermediate

Today, show creators, actors and networks all have something new to consider when they move to launch a new program – new media/technology. From Facebook, to Twitter to mobile and games, new media has completely changed the way TV is consumed. Fans are no longer satisfied with on-air programming. They think about their favorite characters beyond the program, they’re interested in the people behind the scenes and they want to share their passion for their favorite shows with others.

USA Network and Oxygen Network are two of the leading cable networks that truly understand what fans are looking for– the networks are cutting edge in how they approach technology to extend the reach and life of programming. This panel will bring together several of USA and Oxygen Network’s executive producers, digital executives, show creators and actors to discuss how new media is integrated throughout all aspects of a shows creation. Some will discuss how immersive gaming experiences tied to the show actually drove inquiries on cars for one of the US’s biggest automakers to more cars then they had to sell, another will address how being involved in live webcasts, podcasts and behind the scene tours with citizen journalists and bloggers have made them come from behind the scenes to the forefront, and finally, one actor will discuss how new media has changed the meaning of celebrity.

LEVEL: Intermediate

Established players in TV technology have long struggled to make TV interactive, with limited success. However, the promise of iTV is being realized with technologies that MSOs, content providers, and set-top box manufactures didn't anticipate in their previous attempts to make TV interactive — mobile devices, tablets and other portable devices are not only being used as alternative screens to traditional TV, but are flourishing as screens that are used while the TV is on, as companion devices to the TV set. This trend allows people the control and convenience promised (but seldom delivered) by iTV while allowing people to enjoy the passive and communal aspects of traditional TV watching.

Focusing on user experience and social dynamics, this panel will look at inspiring executions for concurrent screen TV experiences. We'll look at strategies that offer the most for today's audiences and explore a range of opportunities to integrate interactivity, marketing, and content to build these new experiences.

LEVEL: Intermediate

It’s been a big year for the connected TV—even Google jumped into the market—and it’s looking like it is going to get even bigger. DisplaySearch forecasts that by 2013, 100 million connected TVs will be shipped, up 546 percent from 2009’s 15 million. The connected TV opens up the door for consumers to access content beyond traditional broadcast TV to include Internet content and online video. While the pay TV ecosystem grapples with the threat that over the top content brings, it’s using devices like the Apple iPad to infuse cool apps for consumers to interact with their TV: Comcast has shown how the iPad can program a DVR and search for shows. And networks are going straight to consumers with the ABC and Hulu apps. But so many questions remain: It can be difficult to find stuff to watch with 300 channels, but what about when connected TVs can access thousands of Internet channels? And what about that elusive remote control that’s lost again somewhere in the family room—will we be using another device? This session will cut through the clutter of the ever-growing connected TV landscape to help form a clearer picture of what’s coming up on those three (or four) screens in your home.

LEVEL: Intermediate

2011 is going to be the year of the 'smart' connected TV: providing us with access to a vast amount of content (web video, live TV, TV catch up and on demand services). To navigate through the mountain of content we are going to need more than the current 'spreadsheet' approach to navigation. With the advent of Smart TVs comes the need for intelligent, personalised filters that will help us find and discover the content that we are going to right at that point in time.

This panel will bring together the people behind the best video services that can be consumed through the TV (e.g. embedded in TV, next generation Set-Top Box, game console, etc...), experts in personalisation/recommendation technologies and social media gurus.

The panel will chart the key changes in TV's evolution from 'dumb' to 'smart', highlight the best examples of smart, personalised TV services available today and predict how these (and future) services will change the way we consume and interact with TV forever more.

LEVEL: Intermediate

Over 30% of 15 to 30 year-olds watch TV with their laptops open. The web is now the de facto backchannel for engaging and conversation around TV shows. But this is only the beginnings of an emerging trend. Where before audiences made do with existing tools, more and more, we are seeing the creation of bespoke platforms and applications for second screen interaction.

Interest from investors and support from television networks, coupled with rising audience numbers online while watching television makes this an area set for massive innovation, opportunities and growth in the very near future. We will be discussing what’s been done so far, what’s being done now and what will be possible soon.

LEVEL: Intermediate

LEVEL: Intermediate