Buzztime & DISH Network Team on Multiplayer Trivia Game Service
Buzztime Ent. Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. have teamed to launch a premium interactive trivia game service on EchoStar's DISH Network. The new in-home, multiplayer game service combines Buzztime's proprietary Countdown trivia game format and vast library of trivia game show content with EchoStar's application software to allow DISH Network subscribers to play the games on their existing, in-home set-top boxes.
The premium game service provides trivia games for players of all skill levels. Subscribers can choose from six categories of gameplay including general trivia, movies and television, music, sports, history and a category for kids. Up to four players at a time per set-top box are able to play against each other. Players answer trivia questions one-by-one using the remote control, with the "couch competition" continuing as players share the remote.
"Buzztime's trivia content is a natural addition to DISH Network's growing suite of interactive TV games and 'edutainment,'" said Michael Schwimmer, svp of programming for EchoStar. "Fun graphics and easy-to-use functionality make playing along with these games an engaging entertainment experience for the entire family."
"The introduction of DISH Network satellite TV subscribers to the Buzztime gameplay format is an important milestone for our company and for the interactive television industry," said Tyrone Lam, president/coo of Buzztime Ent. "Our partnership with DISH Network provides the perfect platform for Buzztime's unique 'couch competition' games."
Buzztime Ent. Inc., a subsidiary of NTN Communications Inc., is the developer and distributor of Play-Along Television technology and programming. Buzztime develops Buzztime, the Play- Along Television community for multiplayer games and competitions on digital cable featuring six channels of trivia games for players of all interests and ability levels. It's interactive television studio and broadcast operations center are headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, visit www.buzztime.com.
EchoStar Communications Corp. serves more than 9.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming. For more information, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call (800) 333-DISH (3474).