Chyron software engages social media for TV

Melville-based Chyron, a graphics systems maker for the television industry, noticed that more and more viewers use their mobile devices while viewing TV, so it developed a new software program to help its customers -- broadcasters -- profit from the trend.

Viewer input such as voting, opinion polls, chat, posts to Facebook or Twitter, can be integrated into a live broadcast on the fly, and advertising can become a part of the live interaction, using Chyron's Engage software, the company said in a Monday news release.

With about 125 employees and a market capitalization of $27 million, Chyron's stock traded up 2 cents by midafternoon Monday to $1.60. That's on the low end of its 52-week range of $1.17 to $2.80.

"People watching TV [the 1st screen] increasingly use a 2nd screen, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, at the same time," Chyron said.

"Chyron’s goal is to help broadcasters link the 2nd screen experience to the 1st screen experience, retain the attention of viewers through enriched viewing experiences, such as tweets, Facebook posts, viewer polls, trivia and enhanced program content -- resulting in increased advertising revenue," the Melville company said.

As part of its offering to broadcast clients, Chyron also has a new partnership integrating ConnecTV's second-screen application with Chyron's broadcast graphics platform, "uniting the on-air and online experiences for instant viewer polls and a real-time social TV relationship with the audience," Chyron said.

ConnecTV, of Emeryville, Calif., describes itself as "the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans."

"Newscasters can now offer an on-air survey, prompt an instant vote, and chat on ConnecTV. The poll results quickly loop back on air for display on TV, as well as on ConnecTV, simultaneously."