Perceptions of Value: The Uses of Social Television

We present the results of two studies on social television concepts. In one study, a Social TV prototype was tested in the field, allowing groups of users watching television at home to talk to each other over an audio link. Specific patterns of use are described, showing that users did perceive the system to be valuable. In another study, focus groups were presented with several Social TV concepts, and their responses were collected. These participants saw only moderate to marginal value in the concept. We discuss the discrepancy with reference to the limitations of each method.