Old analogue TV sets can still provide modern digital interactivity, according to Nortel of Quebec (EP 1204275). When a digital TV programme offers viewers the chance to vote in a talent contest, for example, only viewers with digital set-top boxes can do so by pressing functions keys on their remote control. For diehard analogue viewers, Nortel suggests putting the interactive content on a website. While the TV set shows the normal programme, a third-generation (3G) cellphone or one of the 鈥2.5G鈥 pocket Internet devices already on sale accesses the website and displays the interactive content on its screen. Viewers then vote by entering their choice into the cellphone, which feeds the data to the TV station鈥檚 vote counter.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles