CNJ Media Article (world wide web)

As screens and digital signage become the popular media for providing information in towns and city centres replacing static advertising boards or rotating displays, Canditv takes this medium to a whole new level.

Simply by dialling a telephone number displayed on the screen, passers-by can quite literally interact with the content using their mobile telephones, in the same way as a TV remote, to navigate and select information and special offer details.  Information can be kept up to date easily, accurately and inexpensively.  The dial-up action of Canditv makes it possible to capture very valuable and specific information concerning visitors’ interests in events, products, or services.  It builds better and lasting visitor relationships.

The visitor is able to select and reserve accommodation, quickly and easily reserve seats at shows or restaurants, make transport enquiries and provide feedback about their visit experience. In return it provides the ability to learn more about visitors as it records the telephone numbers, and areas and attractions in which they are interested. The service is entirely compatible with clients’ data protection policy.

Canditv features in a growing number of cities, towns, resorts and destinations across the UK. It provides useful extended information points and helps supply improved services for local communities.

Shakespeare Country was the pioneer using Canditv as its Tourism Solution for Stratford upon Avon and is currently rolling out to various locations within Shakespeare Country, including a leisure centre and library, extending access to visitor information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phil Hackett, Shakespeare Chief Executive was thrilled with the Canditv implementation: ‘We’re delighted to be able to offer this out of hours service at the Stratford TIC which will be the first of many to benefit from this fantastic service.  The system captures information about the visitors’ interests in the area on a real time basis and provides yet another opportunity for visitors to find out what they want at any time of the day or night.’

Canditv has also been implemented at York and Leeds railway stations. The solution complements existing visitor information services, providing an automated 24 hours a day,  7 days a week system, which is a flexible and money saving alternative to some of the more traditional methods.

Information is displayed on screens which enable visitors to quickly access information relating to their visit. By simply using their own basic mobile phone, just like a TV remote, to dial a number on a screen and press keys on their handset to navigate relevant information options, they can request to be put through to speak to a representative, make a reservation, offer feedback, or request a call-back.  In addition to accommodation options and live availability feeds, visitors can view events, local pubs, restaurants and shops, together with discount offers and passes for the duration of their stay.

Call transfer options automatically connect users to a Visitor Information Centre (VIC) representative during normal business hours or directly to the hotel or restaurant after 5pm. The Canditv solution helps to relieve the pressure on VICs during peak times enabling visitors to service themselves with up-to-date information.  The system enables Visit York to learn more about its visitors, as it records their contact telephone number and the areas and attractions they were interested in.  Information is logged in to a visitor database and used for follow-up purposes and future Direct Marketing campaigns.

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, York Tourism Board said: ‘Canditv is an excellent example of how York is leading the way in information services for its visitors and residents, using the very latest technology. This new service will provide round-the-clock access to visitors wanting to search for somewhere to sleep, eat or visit as they travel around the city, allowing us to extend the existing information services that we provide through our Visitor Information Centres.’

CandiTV Press Release

Canditv® Wins 2008 ICT Excellence Awards For Best Innovative Product

The Directors of Data Driven Logistics Limited based in Stoke on Trent, are delighted to announce further award success at last nights ICT Excellence Awards held at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Their product Canditv®, already the Winner of the Sentinel Business Awards Innovation category and shortlisted Finalist of the BCS Industry Awards beat off stiff competition from across the region to land the coveted Best Innovative Product Award at a presentation ceremony held last night at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Almost 2 years in development and now the subject of international patents, Data Driven’s Canditv® is a breakthrough technology that enables people with ordinary mobile telephones to use them just like TV remotes to take control and navigate content displayed on public facing screens when out of the home.

Phil Hackett, Chief Executive of Shakespeare Country, stated “We’re delighted that Data Driven Logistics has won this award for our 24 hour Tourist Information Service. This innovative service has proved to be immensely valuable as it not only captures information about the visitor’s interest, but it enables visitors to find out information at any time of the day or night. We look forward to rolling out this popular and unique service within other towns in Shakespeare Country in the near future.”

Mike Musson, ICT Cluster Manager, added: “This year we’ve seen the highest standard of award entries yet and competition has been incredibly tough. The judging process has been rigorous and the panel faced a major challenge in deciding the final winners due to the sheer quality, innovation and excellent service provided by all the finalists. The awards are testament to the quality and diversity among technology companies in the West Midlands region.

Kevin Griffiths, Data Driven Logistics managing director, said: “It’s great to be recognised for our innovative products for a second year running and during such an early stage in Canditv’s lifecycle. It’s also a great motivation for the team to have their hard work acclaimed in this way. Finally, it’s been fantastic taking part as the feedback from the judges has been invaluable to us.”