Our expertise is based on broad experience with many different audiences, user groups, and age ranges. We have also implemented many different types of interactive environments from CD-ROMs and text-based discussion forums to online commerce, database-backed dynamic sites, and rich-media broadband games and learning environments.

WGBH Interactive favors a lean, custom-designed solution built economically and flexibly rather than relying on any complex proprietary infrastructure. We look first toward tools and production methods based on open source and broadly supported technologies.

While we frequently use technologies such as Flash, Director Shockwave, Windows Media, and Interactive QuickTime to deliver rich-media content, we always choose tools and production methods based on the functional goals, content requirements, audience profile, and editorial priorities of the project.

We also have a strong track record in delivering interactive content that is broadly accessible not only to less technologically advantaged users, but to those with visual and hearing disabilities. Over the years we have continually pioneered rich-media accessibility, implementing captioning for streaming video, screen reader-accessible Flash MX, and the first fully accessible DVD video. We also deliver streaming video and audio content in multiple formats wherever possible and appropriate.

WGBH Interactive has shipped real projects to real users with the following platforms and delivery technologies:

Platforms/software

• HTML, JavaScript, and Perl CGI

• Director and Shockwave

• MySQL databases

• Streaming Media production and delivery in QuickTime, Real Media, and Windows Media, including SMIL interactivity

Delivery technologies

• Web sites (all major browsers supported)

• Intranet sites

• Broadband Web sites

• Online communities (construction and management)

• Interactive television (beginning with the Intel Intercast VBI-based system in 1996 and now utilizing standards-based systems based on ATVEF and DASE, as well as current proprietary middleware)

• CD-ROM

• Web-CD-ROM hybrid

• DVD

• Personal digital assistant (PDA)

• Wireless

• Laserdisc