WebTV website

The Bush Internet TV allows Internet access via a modem that connects to a telephone line and normal television viewing via a standard coaxial aerial connection. The user interface is via a remote control that contains a mouse controller and a QWERTY keyboard.

Screen resolution is quite good and the automatic text resizing carried out by the internal ANT Fresco browser assists legibility. Cascading Style Sheets are disabled but graphic rendering is standard.

Service provision is via Virgin.net and cannot be changed. Users may bookmark and go back to previously accessed pages in a very similar fashion to standard computer browser applications.

UK online interactive

In April 2002, the Office of the e-Envoy (OeE) released a 75 screen pilot service on the Sky (and ITV Digital) platforms with the intention to be on NTL and Telewest shortly. The service includes a database of UK online centres, a questionnaire, an email feedback functionality and content on current events and campaigns. OeE is now looking into the introduction of personalisation, regionalisation, transactions and forms to the service. UK online have negotiated commercial arrangements with platform providers, where there are benefits to using the UK online ‘front door’ as an access point to your iDTV service.

Using the UK online portal provides benefits of a Partnership with UK online: Shared knowledge providing best practice, best price and best partnering advice. Create continuity of navigation and design to increase the user experience. Single entry point to Government information - on the Sky service they have secured a position on page 1 of the main interactive menu. UK online holds the Government’s Independent Television Commission (ITC) broadcasting license, which is essential if you wish to be on the Sky platform. You get to use an effective advertising medium at a percentage of the normal cost for advertising campaigns. For further information email sally.meecham@e-envoy.gsi.gov.uk.