Channel 4 scores Facejacker app first

23 February 2012

Channel 4 has teamed up with Hat Trick Productions and Widebeam Digital to become the UK's first terrestrial channel to launch a publicly available mobile app that uses hidden audio triggers to unlock exclusive additional content.

Enabled by Intrasonics Technology, viewers can enable the app to ‘listen in' on episodes of Facejacker to unlock bonus content when the new series starts on Channel 4 in the Spring.

Digital watermarks that are inaudible to the human ear are hidden in episodes of Facejacker. When the mobile device ‘hears' these watermarks, a piece of content is unlocked in the app. Each broadcast episode will feature two distinct codes, unlocking two new pieces of content. 

The ground-breaking watermarks can also be found in other Facejacker content, such as trails, 4oD episodes and in the Facejacker DVD. Viewers must track down the audio to unlock all the bonus material which includes additional ringtones, ‘Facejack Booth' masks and up to 30 minutes of original, unseen clips and behind-the-scenes video.

Jody Smith, Multiplatform Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, says: "I'm pleased we've found a way of taking the hottest technology available right now and used it to create one of the most ridiculous apps you'll find in the app store. We hope viewers will have a lot of fun tracking down all the audio triggers. It's a novel layer on an already features-packed app."

The Facejacker iPhone app follows the success of the Fonejacker iPhone app, launched almost two years ago to coincide with the first series of Facejacker.  It has become one of the most successful entertainment apps in the UK, with sales now reaching more than 440,000.

Jonathan Davenport, Head of Digital for Hat Trick Productions, adds: "We are thrilled to have delivered our first ever second screen project to Channel Four in Facejacker.  This exciting new app takes advantage of brand new technology; we're hoping that with the innovative addition of the audio codes we can build on and exceed the success of the previous app."

Cambridge-based technology company Intrasonics Limited has been engaged to provide the audio watermarking and triggering technology.

John Barrott, Technical Director of Intrasonics, says: "We are delighted that Channel 4 has chosen Intrasonics as their technology supplier. The Facejacker app represents a pioneering step in the evolution of this exciting new concept."

The app will cost £1.49 and will be available on iOS for iphone, ipod touch and ipad from the iTunes app store when Facejacker returns to Channel 4 for a second series in the Spring.

As well as the audio ‘treasure hunt', the app is also packed with other exciting features, such as soundboards, bonus videos and a booth where you can make yourself look like a character from the show.

 

Soundboards:
Nine character soundboards packed with over 30 phrases each. A dynamic shortcut system allows users to prepare audio pranks on friends, which they can then record and share.

Facejack Booth:
Photo technology superimposes the viewer's image into the face of a Facejacker character and they can then share the picture with their friends via email and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Video: 
Exclusive unseen video from behind-the-scenes and the cutting room floor. Includes never-seen-before seen American pranks.

Ringtones:
A selection of ringtones featuring the iconic Facejacker character, Brian Badonde.