Internet plc To Launch Pioneering Star Trek SmartFlash Smart Card Products
10 December, 2002
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Internet plc today announces it has secured a significant license deal with Viacom Consumer Products. The exclusive license for smart card systems allows them to create complementary smart card products for Star Trek: The Next Generation(R), Enterprise (the current Star Trek TV show) and the forthcoming motion picture, Star Trek(TM) Nemesis in theaters Dec. 13.
Using its proprietary SmartFlash(TM) system, Internet plc has created a new smart card system for the delivery of entertainment. The system combines their proprietary SmartFlash(TM) smart card technology with Paramount’s Star Trek: The Next Generation and the forthcoming blockbuster, Star Trek Nemesis, to create the ultimate Star Trek SmartFlash(TM) experience. The Star Trek SmartFlash(TM) interactive experience includes a series of four collectible credit card sized smart cards featuring a range of eye-catching designs from the film and from the Star Trek Universe. Each card serves as a key to unlock the content that includes planet tours, complete series synopses, behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive images, audio and video clips as well as interviews from both the moviemakers and Star Trek writers, including Michael Westmore, John Eaves and Herman Zimmermann. The Star Trek SmartFlash(TM) experience home and indulge in truly special behind-the-scenes material.
SmartFlash(TM) bridges the offline world of entertainment with the online world of the Internet creating a dynamic new technology, media channel and consumer smart card product. SmartFlash(TM) is an innovative entertainment system that allows direct and easy access to exclusive content online. The unique system combines a smart card reader with a series of collectible smart cards. Each SmartFlash(TM) card acts as a key that unlocks a world of not yet seen multimedia entertainment content and applications and is an expandable platform.
“We are delighted to be working with Viacom Consumer Products and in particular with Paramount Pictures. Our Star Trek SmartFlash(TM) experience and coincident release of blockbuster Star Trek Nemesis, together provide the ultimate vehicle with which to drive adoption of our new and exciting SmartFlash(TM) technology platform,” said Steven Landau, President and CEO, Internet plc.
“Viacom Consumer Products is delighted to be working with Internet plc. The SmartFlash(TM) Star Trek experience is a strong complement to the film and television series,” said Pam Newton, VP Licensing, VCP. “We are very excited by the SmartFlash(TM) concept and see it as an ideal platform for us to deliver high quality content to the fans.”
The credit card-sized SmartFlash(TM) card is simply inserted into a SmartFlash(TM) reader connected to a PC via the USB port. This system gives users direct access to a unique and privileged entertainment environment. Each SmartFlash(TM) card features a “smart chip” which has the ability to safely hold the user’s unique access code. Only cardholders have access to the privileged content.
The first SmartFlash(TM) licenses are associated with major film releases, but the SmartFlash(TM) offering is constantly evolving. Future product releases will include games, sports, music and other entertainment properties. It will soon be possible to use SmartFlash(TM) to purchase concert, sport and film tickets, download exclusive music and much more – the possibilities are endless.
What’s in a SmartFlash(TM) kit?
– SmartFlash(TM) Reader – A SmartFlash(TM) card reader is your gateway to the world of SmartFlash(TM). Once you have a reader, you can use any SmartFlash(TM) card.
– PC Software – SmartFlash(TM) software is included on CD and online. Installation is easy and takes just a few minutes.
– SmartFlash(TM) card – Insert any SmartFlash(TM) card into your reader to go directly to an exclusive SmartFlash(TM) site. Simply ‘Connect, launch and go!(TM).’
About Internet plc
Founded in 1999, UK company Internet plc is a collaboration of experienced media and entertainment professionals and world-leading smart card technology experts.
A private company with offices in the USA, UK and France, Internet plc has developed SmartFlash(TM), a groundbreaking smart card technology that enables the controlled promotion and monetisation of digital content for the entertainment and media industries.
Internet plc’s success is helped by a combination of best in breed experts in business, entertainment and technology. Its growing list of strategic partners, on-going product development and global presence assures maximum market impact and is testament to their assured success.
‘Connect, launch and go!(TM)’
About Viacom Consumer Products
Viacom Consumer Products merchandises properties on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Viacom Productions, and Spelling Television, as well as third-party properties. Viacom Consumer Products, a unit of Viacom Entertainment Group, is a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. To learn more about Viacom Consumer Products and our properties, please visit us at www.viacomcp.com.
SmartFlash(TM) is a trademark of Internet plc.
Visit Internet plc at www.internetplc.com. See SmartFlash at www.smartflashcard.com.
Star Trek(TM), (R), & (c) 2002 Paramount Pictures. Star Trek and related elements are trademarks of Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on Star Trek, visit the official home at http://www.startrek.com. CONTACT: Hill and Knowlton, Los Angeles
Lynne Hentemann/Cathleen Bleers, 323/966-5736
[email protected] URL: http://www.businesswire.com
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