– WebTV experience

WebTV, a subsidiary of Microsoft, unveiled its service June 9 in Toronto, describing it as ‘the evolution of the television experience,’ and Digital Renaissance announced that its T.A.G. medialinking technology will support WebTV for Windows architecture, supplying producers with a tool to publish interactive elements on Internet tv.

WebTV subs can surf the Web while a picture-in-picture feature allows them to keep an eye on tv. A complete list of programs is displayed and a search function allows the viewer to find a program by entering key words.

In the u.s., where Webtv has been up and running since 1996, director of product marketing Sam Klepper says there are about 350,000 subscribers. Though some of the service’s features have been customized for Canadians, Klepper says it will be several months before the service is fully bilingual.

Klepper says broadcasters generally welcome the service since it allows them – and their advertisers – to insert Website addresses in programs and commercials to further promote their shows or products.

– Walk with the stars

Camera crews and curious passersby swarmed the entrance to the Royal Alexandra Theatre on Toronto’s King St. W. June 9 to witness director – and Formula 1 enthusiast – David Cronenberg introduce race car driver Jacques Villeneuve, the first Canadian to be honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Spearheading the project is Toronto businessman Peter Soumalias. After laying a star on the street in tribute to Ed Mirvish two years ago, Soumalias thought it would be a good idea to do the same for others, and volunteered to chair the new initiative.

To give the Walk credibility, Soumalias gained support from all three levels of government including Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Isabelle Bassett and Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, who together will be supplying $75,000 of the $400,000 budget, which includes the inaugural gala at the Royal York Hotel on June 25, and the laying of the Walk stars. The remaining funds will come from ticket sales and sponsors.

Others who earned a spot on the Walk are Bryan Adams, Pierre Berton, Jim Carrey, Norman Jewison, Karen Kain, Gordon Lightfoot, Rich Little, Anne Murray, Bobby Orr, Christopher Plummer and Barbara Ann Scott.