SMS-to-TV System Set-Up

The intimate nature of television with its viewers demands that a direct communication channel be available to boost this relationship. SMS provides this medium of interaction whilst simultaneously generating revenue for the station and increase viewer base. 

TV programs and cable channels are adding SMS chat to their content. Viewers send text messages to the station's SMS number and almost instantly, the messages appear on the TV screen. This is a great way to get viewers involved in live programs and by charging for the incoming SMS messages, you can profit from this service as well.

SMS text messaging programs are especially popular with young people. What do they talk about? What ever is on their mind, from music to fashion to their relationships and even school work. If it's a music video program, the chat focuses around the music and musicians. On pure chat channels, just about anything will come up -- which is why even non-callers watch.

Our SMS-TV software platform provides an extensive set of features that the TV operator can use to generate higher interaction with its viewers. It is ideal for talk shows, news and sports transmission, contests, youth oriented programs, reality shows and requests for programs.

This platform allows the real time creation of voting and opinion polls that can easily be managed by marketing or production team staff. It also supports subscription-based services like the broadcast of SMS content, like hosorscopes, jokes, lottery, sport news and TV schedule.

SMS chat is here to stay. Its use and popularity will only get bigger, especially among the youth. 18-24 year olds are especially big on chats. In Ghana youths age 25 and younger spend 5 times as much on mobile phones, calling and texting (GH¢ 500/yr).

For security and corporate image protection, our Interactive Messaging system has a number of features to keep inappropriate content off TV. These include automatic deletion of messages containing banned words, as well as the ability for a live moderator to queue and select only desired messages.

Features to keep viewers tuned in...

The IMU system has additional ways to keep viewers tuned in.

• Voting: Callers can send in text messages to cast votes on topics such as "who is your favorite Hip life artiste". This is the same type of voting that is used in nationwide contests such as Stars of the Future, Miss Malaika, Ghana’s Most Beautiful, Ghana Music awards and the immensely popular Mentor. 
  Voting can also be used to select a plot line. Viewers call a special number or send a code word depending on what plot direction they want a show to take.

• Opinion polls: Can be used to provide an SMS interface for debates or opinion forums

• SMS Alerts: Subscription-based services, such as daily horoscopes, jokes or health tips.

• Real time voting results: Graphical information with real time results.

• Censorship support: A web interface to validate and censor the contents from opinion polls and to prepare it for broadcasting through the subtitling system.

• Contests: Run contests where every 100th text message wins a prize, or the first person to text the correct answer wins.

• Requests: For music video-type shows, fans can text requests directly to the programmers. This lets fans feel as if they're part of the show, while also indicating viewer interest in the show's content. 
   
• Interactive TV: Innovative shows are using SMS voting and texting; allowing viewers become part of the show. E.g. during live telecast of ‘Stars of the Future’, viewers can send in sms predicting the candidate they think would be evicted.

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