Discovery Networks Europe, which billed its Discovery Mastermind as the world's first interactive quiz, used over 20 interactive applications using NDS technology during 2001 and now plans to make interactive programming a key part of its strategy for widening its audience base and increasing revenues.

The NDS technology powered Mastermind that started in November 2001 on Discovery Networks culminates this week in Europe.

NDS, a News Corporation company claims to be a leading supplier of open conditional access software and interactive systems for the secure delivery of entertainment and information to television set-top boxes and personal computers. Discovery Networks Europe currently operates nine brands on ten channels. Mastermind allowed Sky digital viewers to answer multiple choice questions in real time on their remote control. According to host Magnus Magnusson, : "Thousands of Mastermind's viewers used to play along with the quiz and there were those who could answer every question. Discovery's new program has allowed these and many new viewers to play along with the program and have the chance to sit in that famous black chair; it creates a whole new dimension to the show by reaching out to the audience at home."

While the current Discovery Mastermind season winds up this week, the channel will also air a special viewer's final featuring the highest scoring viewers who played along at home.


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