New Interactive TV Channel Created

DirecTV Inc., Wink Communications Inc. and NBC launched the NBC Virtual Channel–a new interactive channel only available on the DirecTV service. Interactive advertising opportunities will be available during the first quarter of 2002.

Known as NBCi on DIRECTV, the channel will feature news, business news and interactive commerce from MSNBC, CNBC and ShopNBC.

The virtual channel is meant to complement the DirecTV Interactive platform, where viewers can access market data, headlines and links to additional news about technology, business and health. Viewers can also link to their local NBC stations and the MSNBC, CNBC and ShopNBC networks.

Viewers can use their remote control to click on the channel’s commerce link to browse and purchase ShopNBC’s line of business electronic products such as computers, scanners and printers. Customers make purchases and complete transactions using a four-digit PIN, which charges their registered credit card.

Interactive ads will enable advertisers to generate qualified leads through their interactive ads.