(BILLERICA, Mass.) Intellicast.com announced today that it will take part with DTV Plus of Raleigh, North Carolina, in a cutting edge pilot program that will datacast high quality weather information to home PCs equipped with DTV receiver cards. The trial will provide users in the Raleigh area with instant access to graphically rich, lifestyle-relevant weather content without the delay of a standard Internet connection.
Intellicast.com will provide data for lifestyle features on travel, golf, and sailing, as well as health indices such as "aches and pains," respiratory distress, and UV levels. This dynamic weather information will be available around the clock for PC users to access at their convenience.
DTV Plus is an industry leader in developing and deploying digital data-broadcast technology that will help television broadcasters combine new content with their existing offerings to create a compelling new spectrum of programming. Datacast information can be tailored to the specific coverage area that the broadcaster wishes to reach, whether regional or local. These targeted offerings will be brandable, customizable, and attractive to advertisers.
Intellicast.com is an acknowledged leader in supplying national and local weather content to the broadcast industry with over 50 TV stations in the U.S. leveraging similar lifestyle weather content to drive traffic to their own Web sites through the Intellicast Affiliate Web Program, which was launched last April. Although the program with DTV Plus is only in its early stages, Intellicast.com sees datacasting of rich local weather content as an excellent way for broadcasters to leverage the available digital television spectrum; and positions Intellicast.com on the cutting edge of the digital market.
"Superior weather programming can help broadcasters capture and cement their audience, and no matter what technology they are using to reach their audience, we can be their single source for the highest quality weather content," said Mark D. Miller, Director of Content Management at Intellicast.com.
"Being digital means broadcasters have a whole new way to program their channels, including with data" said Sam Matheny, Vice President and General Manager of DTV Plus. "Up to the minute weather information is extremely popular, and WSI is ready today with high-value weather and lifestyle content. Together we can help broadcasters meet the challenge of delivering dynamic content and enhanced services using this new technology."