Comparing voice chat and text chat in a communication tool for interactive television

Talking during the course of a television program is something that has been done almost since the introduction of the television in the household, and is one of the most important social uses of television. Interactive television extends this concept beyond the family household, making it possible to talk with family and friends at remote households. This particular study looks at two modes of communication, more specifically voice chat and text chat, and what the advantages and disadvantages are of these systems when communicating while watching television. The results show that voice chat is considered more natural and direct, and makes it easier to keep on following the program. Text chat is more preferred by younger users and users having more experience with chatting on computers, and is therefore interesting to use in interactive services specifically aimed at youngsters. In both cases, our study shows that such systems should be carefully designed to divide attention between watching and communicating in such a way that distraction from the television program is minimized.