Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2011 about TV on Tuesday 15th March

For decades, TV show fans have sought ways to extend their connection to their favorite show characters with things like branded cereals, toys, board games, music or the like. Fans often can't wait for the next episode and especially dread the time between seasons. They want to interact and even play along with their favorite shows. This is a reality that TV networks are creating through branded online games and social games. This panel, consisting of online gaming experts and digital leaders at TV networks, will explore how TV networks are keeping fans engaged between episodes and seasons with quality online games that extend the show's brand and interactivity with fans - taking TV entertainment to the next level. The session will sample real case studies from experiences over several seasons with shows and branded games like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Biggest Loser, Survivor, and others. Panel members will also explore how games enable an additional channel for TV networks to reach global fans via social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Hi5 and Bebo, especially as we're seeing games being the number one used applications on many social networks.

LEVEL: Intermediate

With Google TV and other over-the-top (OTT) services hitting the market, service providers (cable and satellite) and many broadcasters are expressing concern over cord-cutting and other issues at the intersection of television and the Internet. This session will look at the legal and business issues surrounding OTT services, including the protection of the broadcasters' content and advertising, as well as the issues surrounding ivi TV, the Seattle-based company that is being sued by a group of broadcasters who are seeking to stop it from retransmitting their over-the-air content. How should the courts and policy-makers act or not act to ensure the right balance between content protection and innovation at the intersection of television and the Internet?

The way we consume content is radically changing like never before. Currently the public is bombarded with over 500 channels of premium-content, most of which it doesn't even want. The landscape is changing with the advent of high-speed Internet connections, streaming video platforms and devices like the iPad, Boxee and video-enabled smartphones, consumers can truly enjoy their entertainment experience when, and where they want it. Join those at the forefront of live Web TV as we explore this new age of entertainment and the unique opportunities it offers for engaging audiences.

LEVEL: Beginner

The fight to define the future of the living room is heating up, with Internet-enabled televisions and devices serving as the next battle ground. Yet as more devices and companies enter the fray, the question that has yet to be answered is exactly how much of the Web consumers actually want on their televisions. The ability to stream movies, webisodes, and archived television series have proven popular, but do we also want email, web browsing, and other full internet capabilities enabled? Companies are racing to add expanded features and capabilities to their Web TV devices, but are they doing so at the expense of simplicity for consumers really want?

In this panel we will discuss the future of web TV, both in content and hardware, and assess where the industry currently stands and where it is headed in the future. What web content do consumers want on their televisions? Is cable cutting really a viable option for mainstream viewers, and what will the relationship between cable, isp, and content providers with Web TV companies look like? Or will Web TV simply be part of a larger vision of the universally accessible digital locker?

LEVEL: Beginner