Using the red button

Digital TV makes it possible for you to do many things with your television: join in with programmes, see extra news stories and sports coverage, check latest sports results, travel information and weather forecasts, even play games, go shopping, place bets and interact with favourite programmes.

To go interactive, simply press the red button on your remote control at any time. Sometimes you will be prompted to press the button by an announcement in a programme or a red button logo appearing in the top right-hand corner of the TV screen.

Try our demo (opens in a new, pop-up window). This is a sample of the interactive service on Freeview showing users what happens when they press the red button. There is no audio.

You will need to have Flash installed to play this demo, which you can download free via BBC Webwise.

To use the BBC's interactive service just press the red button from any BBC TV and Radio channel for features including:

• News the latest local, national and international news, and a menu of multiple screens for video updates, all available 24 hours a day
• Sport up-to-the-minute sports news and results, plus a choice of coverage with extra live matches and alternative commentary
• Information weather forecasts, travel reports and business news
• Join in with programmes have your say
• CBeebies games and stories for very young children

Interactive TV is available with any digital service, though the type and number of features vary according to whether you have digital terrestrial, satellite, cable or broadband.

Most of the interactive features currently available are provided by the BBC, Sky and the cable companies. A few other broadcasters, including ITV, offer a limited range.