Social TV is buzzing in the US, but what is it and what does it mean for the UK?   One of the more social uses of TV in the UK many years ago were basic multiplayer interactive TV games like those offered by PlayJam that allowed a few people to participate at the same time or on different devices like those offered by gameplay.  Sms to the TV screen and formats like Idol which have increased the level of audience participation and influence over the years continues to gain momentum.  News programmes using video captured on mobile phones enabled citizens to participate in journalism and has become an accepted practice.  Overlays of sms interaction like AQA’s Mr. Know it All on MTV became common amongst channels targeting younger audiences.

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Social TV: Watch Hulu with Your Facebook and MySpace Friends.  This is the new reality of the TV experience.  Social TV will come to define our viewing over the next year.  Most social networks are already partnered with multiple broadcasters offering viewers the ability to socialise with friend through networks while watching TV through either their PC’s or television.  This latest advancement in technology is taking us back to the social aspect of huddling round a TV with friends, the only difference being that your friends can be on the other side of the planet.  To learn more about how this revolution is happening read Ben Parr’s piece.