TANDBERG Television announced an expansion of television interactivity into Canada through a deal with TSN, the leading Canadian sports television channel. In collaboration with TANDBERG Television, TSN will launch a new web-based synchronized interactive television application to engage viewers in the competition on screen and enhance TSN's programming of the Canadian Football League this season. Sponsored by Molson, Inc., Canada's largest brewing company, the new interactive application launches today on TSN.ca.

"This announcement marks a major step forward in sports for combined online/broadcast technology in Canada," said Phil King, President, TSN. "TSN Interactive will directly enhance the television experience for CFL fans, allowing them to connect with the game - and each other - in a fun and competitive online environment."

As viewers enter the TSN Interactive application, they will choose a team to support in the game. Viewers will gain or lose points throughout the game, as their team scores or is penalized on-air. Tying the individual score to the team enhances the viewer's investment in the game and encourages rivalries among interactive players. As events unfold on-air, facts and figures about the players will be available for supplemental information.

In addition, the service will allow viewers to engage in chat rooms, answer polls and answer trivia questions for points. Viewers will also be able to wager percentages of their scores on predictions throughout the live game and engage in two football mini-games: field goal kicking and quarterback passing plays. The interactive interface incorporates Molson branding elements throughout the application, providing a new platform for the advertiser to engage with consumers.

"TSN Interactive is a great example of how networks can incorporate interactivity into programming that dramatically enhances the television experience," said Eric Cooney, President and CEO of TANDBERG Television. "Viewers are already multi-tasking while viewing sports, often comparing online stats while watching the game on TV. This application will provide sports fans with a fully immersive and interactive environment to leverage that interest and engage them more deeply in the broadcast."