Legal Definitions - ATVEF

ATVEF stands for Advanced Television Enhancement Forum.

ATVEF was an industry consortium that developed a technical standard designed to integrate web-based content with traditional television broadcasts. Essentially, it provided a framework for broadcasters to deliver interactive features, supplementary information, or e-commerce opportunities directly alongside their television programming, allowing viewers to engage with content in new ways through their TV sets or companion devices.

• Example 1: Interactive Commercials

  Imagine watching a car commercial on your television. Using the ATVEF standard, the broadcast could include a hidden signal that, when detected by a compatible TV or set-top box, would display a prompt on your screen. This prompt might allow you to click a button to request a digital brochure, schedule a test drive, or even visit the car manufacturer's website directly through your TV's internet connection. This illustrates ATVEF's role in enabling interactive advertising that goes beyond a simple passive viewing experience.

• Example 2: Enhanced Educational Programming

  Consider a documentary about ancient civilizations. While watching the program, an ATVEF-enabled system could allow the broadcaster to send synchronized web content. This might appear as an overlay on your screen, offering clickable links to detailed maps of the region, biographies of historical figures mentioned, or even short quizzes related to the content. This demonstrates how ATVEF facilitated a richer, more informative viewing experience by seamlessly blending broadcast video with interactive digital resources.

• Example 3: Live Sports Statistics and Polling

  During a live football game, an ATVEF implementation could allow viewers to access real-time player statistics, team standings, or even different camera angles by pressing a button on their remote. Furthermore, the broadcaster could push out interactive polls asking viewers to predict the next play or the game's outcome, with results displayed instantly. This exemplifies how ATVEF aimed to create a dynamic, participatory viewing environment for live events, moving beyond a one-way broadcast.