German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere World will finally activate the return channel via the digital decoder d-box this year. According to Robert Blickhan, head of Premiere World’s distribution and retail marketing department, a software upgrade will enable the use of the telephone line as the return path via the in-built modem this year.

He said that interactive applications that can be accessed using the remote control are planned, such as the ordering of movies via impulse pay-per-view (IPPV). Both the original d-box I and the d-box II, the second generation decoder available since November 1999, feature an in-built telephone modem. However, it has not yet been activated by Premiere World. So far, subscribers ordering PPV events have to leave their living room chair, walk to the telephone, call the subscriber management centre and either place the order via an automatic computer system or via an operator. As an alternative, customers owning an PC with Internet access can order via the subscriber section on Premiere World’s homepage.