Softel launches companion screen product

Softel has launched a new product for two-screen interactive TV, MediaSphere Bridge, that uses the company’s own in-broadcast triggers to link the TV and second screen device.

MediaSphere Bridge uses Softel’s iMarks, rather than automated content recognition via, for example, audio watermarks, to identify and synchronise content.

MediaSphere Bridge enables viewers to launch second screen interactivity either directly from their registered second screen, or through their remote via an on-TV prompt sent out through broadcast master control and carried through a cable headend, prompting the viewer to press Select/OK on their remote.

Via the device’s return path, registered second screen devices will automatically launch the relevant interactive app. The system facilitates functionality such as the ability to ‘flick’ an iPad screen display onto the main screen in the living room.