Two Way TV in US Interactive TV joint venture

– Interactive Network and London-based Two Way TV have joined forces to launch a Silicon Valley-based interactive television company that will operate in the US and Canada.

The joint venture will deliver real-time, competitive interactive games and sports channels on digital TV and the internet.

The new entity will exploit Interactive Network's patent portfolio and Two Way TV's content, production systems, operating platform and patents for digital interactive services.

Bruce Bauer, the chairman and chief executive officer of Interactive Networks, said: "By partnering with Two Way TV, we will create a powerful vehicle through which to maximise exploitation of Interactive Network's pioneering interactive television patents."

Interactive Network will also exclusively license its suite of foreign patents to Two Way TV outside of the US and Canada on a royalty basis.

In a statement, Simon Cornwell, Two Way TV's managing director, said: "Through the venture, we will be able to form partnerships to produce live interactive TV entertainment for distribution on digital satellite, cable and broadband Internet platforms. With key patent protection, the venture will be in a unique and powerful position in the rapidly developing interactive TV market."

In January Two Way TV is launching its live service to the first 50,000 customers on Cable & Wireless Communications' rollout of the first national broadband digital cable TV service, in northwest England.

This article was first published on Campaign