Showtime, LG Partner for Smart TV App

15 Aug, 2013 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Showtime expanding Sho Sync beyond the iPad

Showtime Networks and LG Electronics Aug. 15 said they have made available the former’s Sho Sync app that allows owners of the consumer electronics manufacturer’s 2012 and 2013 smart televisions interactive access to the premium pay-TV channel’s programming.

CBS-owned Showtime original programming includes the final season of “Dexter,” “Californication,” “Homeland,” “Ray Donovan,” “Shameless,” “Nurse Jackie” and “Weeds,” among others.

The app allows viewers to interact with bonus content designed specifically while they watch Showtime programs live, on demand or on a disc. The interactive features are similar to BD Live on Blu-ray Disc titles.

Viewers can test their knowledge with trivia, earn points and badges, and compete against their friends and other fans. Viewers can also vote in live polls and instantly see real-time audience reactions. The content also appears on-screen at precise points in the program, usually between scenes, and is written in each series' unique voice. Using the TV's remote control, Sho Sync content can be shared on social platforms including Twitter and Facebook.

The app uses LG’s “LivePlus” content platform, which allows broadcasters, cable networks and other program providers to enhance viewers' linear TV experience with interactive content without the need to download it.

When the LG LivePlus feature recognizes a Showtime original series episode, an invitation to play along will appear on screen, and the viewer can opt-in to the experience with a click of their LG TV remote.

"For the first time, viewers can click a single button using their remotes and interact in a completely new way with our programming," said Donald Buckley, EVP of program marketing and digital services with Showtime.

James Fishler, LG Electronics USA's SVP of marketing, said “LivePlus” enables the use of the HTLM5 video format, making high-quality graphics possible using standard authoring tools.

“It extends the capabilities of LG Smart TVs,” Fishler said.

 

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