Interactive electronic programme guides

There are firm plans for introduction of satellite and terrestrial digital TV services in the UK, mainly because the audio and video coding used makes it possible to transmit many more channels via a given spectral slot than using analogue techniques. Capacity can also be used in a flexible manner for other data and multimedia services. The broadcasters recognise the benefits of providing electronic programme guides (EPGs) with information about their current and future programmes in order to differentiate them from those of competitors. In the near term, the range of interactive services will be limited by the capabilities of the modem in the set top box and the network it is connected to. Some early boxes may only include a low rate PSTN modem. However, it is generally accepted that (a) high rate PSTN or ISDN modems will steadily become accepted because they allow access to the Internet and (b) at some time in the future these will be replaced with a broadband connection probably based on asymmetric digital subscriber loop (ADSL). This paper discusses the ways in which the capabilities of these different interaction channel options could be used to enhance and extend a basic broadcast EPG so that consumers can access all the information they need to decide what to watch and/or record.