Interactive television usage and applications: the Portuguese case-study

Abstract This paper depicts the Portuguese interactive television (iTV) market focusing on the novel applications produced in that market between the years 2001 and 2003. Particular focus is given to two applications, “Noites Interactivas” and “VEMiTV-PANDA”, not only from a technological point of view, but also from the user interaction point of view. These two examples are used to illustrate the challenges facing iTV services technological deployment and commercial development. The paper ends by summarising the lessons taken from the service deployment in Portugal and showing who is ahead in the everlasting balance between technology and content.