The new e-business portal initiative builds on many years of technology development within Sky, and the success of the existing Sky Active portal.

Interactive TV sites are built using WTVML, a TV-centric interactive content format originally developed by Sky and based on Internet standards. Sky has published the WTVML standard through ETSI as a common content format for interactive TV applications in Europe.

The e-business portal initiative makes WTVML easier to use than ever before by adding facilities such as automated image transcoders and online tools to register, develop, test and launch WTVML sites.

These tools are available through SiteControl, a sophisticated extension to the existing SkyInteractive.com website. 

SiteControl is a highly sophisticated online extension of SkyInteractive.com which gives site owners complete control over the process of extending their web service to the new interactive portal.



SiteControl includes a number of ground-breaking features, including an automated test mechanism, known as a Spider, which vastly reduces the time required to test an interactive service, facilitating speedy, hassle-free and cost-effective deployment of Internet-style content to the television. The screenshot above illustrates how site owners can oversee the progress of their site through the different stages of the launching process.

Visit SiteControl and create your interactive site for free.

In December 2005, Sky launched the consumer (TV) interface of the new e-business portal, on all Sky set-top boxes across the UK. This initial release of the portal is designed to enable site owners to finalise and test their sites via SiteControl, and all content is protected by a numeric access code. Site owners must register on the support site SiteControl Community to access this code.

A SkyKey is a numeric code that enables quick and direct access to sites on the new portal. SkyKey codes are entered through the alpha-numeric keys on the Sky remote control and usually correspond to the name of a company or brand. For example, the site name MYSITE would be represented by the SkyKey code 697483.

SkyKeys are easy to remember and offer content providers powerful branding and promotional opportunities. Site owners are encouraged to register early for a SkyKey code and to promote their SkyKeys through their website and other communications channels.

SkyKeys are designed to be instantly recognisable on marketing materials, are easier to remember than URLs or phone numbers, and are quick to enter with a remote control.

Click here to apply for your SkyKey.

The consumer hub for the new portal is a completely new and innovative type of interactive interface. It is designed to provide viewers with easy and convenient access to the broad range of valuable, Internet-style content that is available on Sky's new interactive portal.

The consumer portal contains navigation and personalisation features that viewers will be accustomed to from browsing the Internet. It enables viewers to search for and browse sites with ease, as well as create profiles, save links and view sites already visited - all using their remote control.

SiteControl Community is a support site for anyone interested in the new e-business portal, including site owners, tooling vendors and companies offering mass hosting and ASP services. The site contains all the assistance and information you will need to extend your content to interactive TV.

SiteControl Community members come from across the e-business spectrum, from major players in e-commerce to non-profit organisations and even individuals. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including a wealth of helpful resources, free access to advanced features and much more.

Join SiteControl Community now to get started.