Nicktoons, Nickelodeon GAS to be interactive

Nickelodeon and set-top-box middleware provider Liberate are developing applications for the cable network's two new channels, Nicktoons and Nickelodeon GAS (Games And Sports).

Mark Offitzer, VP and GM of the two new channels, said: "Since we know that kids today are tech-savvy and computer literate, Nickelodeon sees interactive programming as a natural component to their lives. Through the types of applications and services Liberate makes possible, Nicktoons TV's convergent elements will entertain our audience on several levels, including iTV."

Details of what would feature on the new channels, where households have a digital set-top-box capable of receiving the Liberate services, were released in a press release:

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Nicktoons
Channel synchronous programming: This application can be accessed anytime while watching Nicktoons TV, but is not synched to a specific show on the channel. Using their remote control, kids will be able to call up Nicktoons' characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, on their TV and have them perform various silly movements such as dancing, gesturing or throwing food at the screen. Nicktoons TV offers animation fans an ongoing marathon of Nicktoon classics such as The Ren and Stimpy Show, Doug, Rugrats and Ahhh! Real Monsters, mixed with current favourites including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, The Wild Thornberrys and As Told By Ginger. Reflecting the multi-media entertainment world that today's kids live in, Nicktoons TV will also experiment with new technologies such as web-to-air animation.

Nickelodeon GAS
Programme synchronous programming: Viewers play against programmes in real-time, and the interactivity is tied directly to the programme. Kids have the opportunity to answer questions during the game as it is being played and are able to select monikers, track points, and see how they fare against others playing at home in real-time. This application enables cable operators to take advantage of the unique capabilities. Nickelodeon GAS: Games and Sports features interactive on-air and online programming and a magazine dedicated exclusively to all the games and sports kids love to play. Hosted by Vivianne Collins, Dave Aizer and Mati Moralejo, Nickelodeon GAS features Nickelodeon's vast library of kids-first game shows including: Double Dare 2000; Global Guts; Wild & Crazy Kids; Figure It Out, hosted by Summer Sanders; and sports-related programmes such as Sports Theatre with Shaquille O'Neal and Extreme GAS with Tara Lipinski.
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Coleman Sisson, President and COO at Liberate, said: "Enhanced TV is a perfect fit for kids -- and Nickelodeon is a perfect fit for interactive TV. As the leading entertainment source for kids, Nickelodeon is well suited to bring the next generation of TV to kids."