May 10, 2004
Made possible by viewers like you
Fans of CBS' hit show "CSI: Miami'' recently joined the official probe into a fictional air disaster on Miami Beach, and while they watched the show, viewers picked through the forensic evidence online, trying to solve the mystery first, reports The Mercury News.
"Emerging technology is helping television evolve beyond its sedentary heritage. CBS, Fox and the other networks have discovered that adding interactivity to prime-time dramas, reality programs, quiz shows and sports keeps couch potatoes from channel-surfing away at the first commercial break.
CSI's Internet gumshoes can go to CBS' Website to play along with the show in real time. Viewers attempt to unravel the mystery and win prizes by collecting evidence and answering questions about the case. They also can participate through their cell phones or interactive television set-top box.
Such is the emerging picture of interactive television. It's dramatically different than the fanciful way technologists initially portrayed it in the late 1990s. Remember how we were all going to order pizzas via remote control, or buy that sweater Jennifer Aniston wore on ``Friends''? Such a notion of television commerce never found traction in U.S. living rooms.
The technology no longer aims to pull viewers away from their favorite TV shows but to make viewers part of the fantasy"
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