(5 January 2007 8:35 pm)

MUMBAI: Electric Spin, creators of the Golf Launchpad series of golf simulators, and digital pay-TV technology solutions provider NDS have announced the Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience.

The new set-top box edition of the golf simulator allows users to play along with their favorite golfers during televised tournaments. The new gaming experience will be demonstrated at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.

Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience combines Electric Spin’s golf simulation technology with NDS’s interactive TV technology to create a virtual golf experience. While watching a PGA tour event on television, viewers can use the Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience to virtually play and compete with their own clubs, on the same course, in real time.

“There are millions of XTVReady set-top boxes in the market today,” said NDS Vice President of Interactive TV Jesper Knuttson. “This opens up a whole new market for interactive sports simulation on TV. Together with Electric~Spin, we are changing the way viewers can interact and experience digital television.”

“If you have ever wanted to play side-by-side with your favorite tour player, this is your chance,” said Electric~Spin President Anees Munshi. “This product will profoundly change the way people interact with their television programming.”

Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience is expected to go on sale in the US in June 2007.