Frequently Asked Questions - Television Viewers
- When will the Backchannelmedia service be available in my area?
- Will I need to purchase a new set-top box or remote control?
- How much will the service cost?
- Will Backchannelmedia sell my click-through information to third party mailing lists.
- I don't subscribe to cable. Will the Backchannelmedia click-through service be available to me?
- Will product purchases be automatically debited from my checking account?
- Most of my television viewing occurs in the family room. How will the clicks get back to my portal and not those of other family members?
- Will Backchannelmedia cause me to see more advertisements than I already do?
When will the Backchannelmedia service be available in my area?
Backchannelmedia is conducting a national roll-out of the click-through technology beginning in Spring '08. The service will initially be available to TV viewers in the Boston metropolitan area. To sign up or learn more, explore our site.
Will I need to purchase a new set-top box or remote control?
No. Backchannelmedia works with existing consumer electronics. The only requirements to activate the service are a digital ready television and internet access. For homes that receive over-the-air broadcast television only, Backchannelmedia has developed an over-the-air digital converter box with DVR functionality. In addition to supporting homes currently preparing for the analog shut-off on Feb. 17, 2009 our box also makes the click-though service available to over-the-air only homes.
How much will the service cost?
Backchannelmedia is available at no charge to TV viewers.
Will Backchannelmedia sell my click-through information to third party mailing lists.
Backchannelmedia takes consumer privacy seriously. The entire solution is architected around an 'opt-in' concept that puts consumers in complete control of their relationships with companies. The only companies that will ever contact you as a result of a click-through will be those that you have specifically requested to do so.
I don't subscribe to cable. Will the Backchannelmedia click-through service be available to me?
Yes. Whether you subscribe to cable, direct broadcast satellite or telco video services, Backchannelmedia has a solution designed for your provider. Backchannelmedia is also the first interactive television solution available to homes that only have over-the-air reception capability.
Will product purchases be automatically debited from my checking account?
No. The default settings simply forward bookmarked interests to an online portal for subsequent review. If they choose to do so, individuals may adjust their preferences to allow for automatic purchase of less expensive items.
Most of my television viewing occurs in the family room. How will the clicks get back to my portal and not those of other family members?
In setting the preferences for your portal, you have the option of setting up as many additional accounts as you would like. You simply assign to each additional portal a key sequence (using the A, B and C buttons) from the remote control that will be used to identify the account. There are several buttons on existing remote controls that are not used during a non-interactive viewing experience and can be repurposed to enable the click-through.
Will Backchannelmedia cause me to see more advertisements than I already do?
No. The Backchannelmedia solution will ultimately decrease the amount of advertisements shown on TV.