State broadcaster launches new interactive television

STATE broadcaster Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) launched its Media Carnival 2010 yesterday, dubbed RTBMC, to showcase the development of RTB's transition from analog to digital broadcasting and introduce its latest service, Interactive TV.

"This year, RTBMC is focused on showcasing the development of the transition from analog to digital broadcasting which gives the public an opportunity to enjoy the latest development that has been achieved by RTB in digital television broadcast that enables RTB to broadcast through five channels," said Acting RTB Director Hj Idris Hj Md Ali.

The channels are: RTB 1, RTB 2, RTB 3 (HD), RTB 4 (RTB International) and RTB 5 (Propagation channel).

"There are a lot of advantages that the public can benefit from the existence of this digital transmission, mainly the high quality of the pictures and at the same time, it also contributes to a more interactive broadcast," said Hj Idris.

"Through the new service (Interactive TV), viewers will be able to get information and guidance through Electronic Programme Guide to refer to a list of programmes, and also Electronic Public Information Guide that allows viewers to follow the latest guides and information such as weather forecast, prayer times and also foreign exchange rates," he continued.

There is also an Electronic Games Portal through the interactive service that allows viewers to enjoy 10 electronic games as an alternative to watching TV programmes, Hj Idris said.

Held annually, the five-day RTBMC is one of the station's efforts to disseminate information, educate, entertain and generate inspiration through an interactive communication "whenever, wherever" through a variety of ways.

Besides the attractive pavillion which exhibits RTB's core business at the International Convention Centre (ICC), the public can also audition for talent events such as "I Got Talent" (singing), "Seni Sandiwara" (acting), "Ingat-ingat Lupa" (quiz show) and "Amplified" (bands).

A debate on documentaries from MBC (Korea), TV NHK (Japan drama) and TV MBS (Japan entertainment), a collaborative between RTB and Asia Broadcast Union (ABU), will be held today and tomorrow at the ICC.

There will also be an opportunity for the public to meet RTB artistes, as well as Tiz Zaqyah and Sharifah Sofea, actors from Nur Kasih, a Malaysian drama.

The main highlight of the RTBMC is the RTB Awards Night on Saturday at the ICC Main Hall.The Brunei Times