4. Interactive television

Digital television can also offer 'interactive' services where you, as the viewer, can control what you see or take part in surveys, quizzes and games.

Interactive services usually require a broadband connection from the tv set. This connection is often made over a Wi-Fi link or sometimes a mains connected network modem.

Typical interactive services include:

News / video selection

For example, a news channel such as the BBC has split their news stories into themes such as 'sport', 'entertainment', 'weather'. The viewer presses the 'interactive' button on the remote control and they can select which video clips they want to watch on those topics.

Pay-to-view movies and events

Many commercial tv operators have pay-to-view channels where the viewer can use their interactive service to rent a film or view a sporting event.