What does OpenTV do? OpenTV is the worldwide leader in interactive television, introducing viewers to a new TV experience through their remote control.
Why do you think viewers want to interact with their TV? Isn't one of the attractions of the TV that it is a passive experience? TV is all about leisure, information, ease of use, impulse reaction and emotion. Interactivity builds on this by giving people the opportunity to respond to the programmes they watch, get information when they want it or buy products when they see them.
We hear a lot about convergence - where various entertainment and computer functions are going to come together in a single box. So is the TV turning into a personal computer, or is it the other way around? TV is for entertainment, whereas the PC is focused on work and processing, so your expectations and use of the TV and PC are different. You may see email on interactive TV but you won't see an Excel spreadsheet. Interactive TV needs to be easier to use, graphics rich and more reliable - people don't want to have to re-boot their televisions! Also, the TV is a true mass market product, so it needs to be kept at a low price.
OpenTV operates across the world - what differences are there between countries, other than language, which you have to take account of? There are major differences in viewing habits and the level of complexity that TV viewers want. We have to make sure that our applications can be customised. Nonetheless they will work in all environments, whether they are delivered by satellite, cable or terrestrial networks.
Are you trying to sell interactive TV as a replacement for the web and internet, or as a supplement? These are two co-existing marketplaces. Many people will have internet access and interactive TV but will use them for different things. Interactive TV will also reach people who don't have computers. This is why many companies are looking to have a presence on interactive TV and the internet, adapting the range of products they sell, services and information accordingly.
How do you use technology in your work? At work I use computers, email, the internet and my mobile phone to make sure I am available no matter where I am. At home I use interactive TV to do things like checking my bank account and getting a weather forecast.
What are your favourite websites? My internet browser is defaulted to AFP - Agence France Presse news agency, which keeps me up to date with business news. I'm also a fan of ft.com and the Paris transportation authority's pages at www.ratp.fr.
• OpenTV's website is at www.opentv.com
