Channel Surfing Meets its Match

With more and more channels to choose from, "channel surfing" is a naturally occurring side effect experienced by scores of overwhelmed couch potatoes and even casual TV viewers. ChoiceStream has armed itself with research from leading institutions including Harvard, MIT, and the University of Chicago -- as well as the power of the Internet -- to take the phenomenon of channel surfing to task.

The result of this distinct combination is MyBestBets, a free Web service that presents customers with recommendations for the ideal shows and movies to watch based upon their individual likes or dislikes. Set to begin beta testing shortly, the service also takes into account which TV system is in use by distinguishing between broadcast, cable, and satellite hookups. Results can be sorted by date, time or genre, and can be viewed online, via e-mail, or in a handy printout version.

Summing up the company's effort to navigate through a morass of programming, Product Manager Melanie Hurley told BetaNews, "In today's TV environment, with hundreds of channels and thousands of shows available every day, a good recommendation is more important than ever. MyBestBets helps TV viewers overcome 'media overload' by offering quality recommendations based on each viewer's own preferences."

To participate in the beta phases of the test sign up by filling out a brief form. As an added bonus, ChoiceStream is holding a contest to give away a TiVo or ReplayTV to active beta testers who also happen to win the luck of the draw.