Casino Planning to Use Interactive HDTV Technology

MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which is located in Connecticut, is set to be the first advertiser to utilize a new technology that involves combining HDTV with the Internet.

The casino will be using this new technology at its Grand Opening in order to start business off with a bang. The product, which was developed by Backchannelmedia, is being referred to as a sort of portal that allows for “TV-to-Internet click-through” capabilities. Apparently, users can click on an item on the television that is of interest to them and they can then get more information about that particular item or topic on their home computer.

The project is going to be launched through a partnership between Horizon Media, Backchannelmedia, and WCVB-DT, which offers a digital signal for ABC. Horizon Media will be running a special cross-market media campaign that will involve multiple channels in order to help support the opening of the casino. With this campaign, the company will be using local radio and television channels while also partnering with sports and print media.

The brand group director at Horizon Media, Rob Kalman, says the strategy should help increase the profile of the casino.

“This approach will help to create a unique awareness for MGM Grand at Foxwoods that will ultimately make it the premiere gaming destination in the Northeast,” said Kalman.

It will be interesting to see how effective this new technique will be as well as how it will be utilized in the future. Other potential uses include allowing viewers to click on items on the screen in order to obtain shopping information and coupons as well as to download items such as music and movies.