WorldGate rolls out Go!TV Links

By SUSAN RUSH
From CED Broadband Direct, August 15, 2002

Ready, set, interactive. WorldGate Communications Inc. has introduced Go!TV Links to make every program across all channels instantly interactive.

Go!TV Links content can encompass series descriptions, episode synopsis, cast lists, bios, viewer ratings, broadcast schedules and ratings. Users also can access program and network-related Web links and television trivia. Data is provided through a dynamic XML feed.

The service is based on WorldGate's Channel HyperLinking technology, which enables subscribers to interact with television advertising and programming at the touch of a button on their wireless keyboard or remote control. Go!TV Links will be offered as part of the basic WorldGate iTV service.

Initial Go!TV Links deployments will begin this week, with additional rollouts planned throughout the year. Operators can deploy the service to today's digital set-top box converters using their current WorldGate iTV headend equipment, according to the company. Go!TV Links can be branded.

Earlier this month, WorldGate posted second-quarter 2002 revenue of $3.9 million, up 23 percent from the previous quarter. WorldGate reported a quarterly net loss of $6.5 million, or 27 cents a share, before the impairment of goodwill, compared to a quarterly net loss of $4.2 million, or 18 cents share for the first quarter 2002. WorldGate ended the quarter with 581,000 revenue-generating units, up from 568,000 in March 2002 and 351,000 in June 2001.

WorldGate shares were up 16 percent to $1.15 as of 11:51 a.m. EDT.