Infomercials come to the web

Yahoo Inc. today unveiled Yahoo ShoppingVision a rich media extension of Yahoo Shopping. ShoppingVision lets shoppers view streaming video content and simultaneously purchase relevant merchandise through a single interface. As part of the Yahoo ShoppingVision launch, Yahoo has signed a content distribution and marketing agreement with ValueVision International Inc., a leading national home shopping network, and a content agreement with TechTV, an on-air and online destination dedicated to the digital lifestyle. Yahoo ShoppingVision is an extension of Yahoo's strategy to integrate rich media throughout its network. Using Yahoo ShoppingVision, people can watch streaming video content such as product reviews, research and purchase merchandise through a traditional Web browser, and manage their Yahoo Wallet all through one interface. As people see products in the streaming video window, information and links to merchandise that is being displayed will simultaneously appear in the window adjoining the video stream, allowing consumers to immediately purchase the products being viewed. As part of its relationship with Yahoo, ValueVision will be a featured content provider with a fixed graphic link on the Yahoo! ShoppingVision player, and has agreed to provide live programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in addition to archived video content. ValueVision also will advertise throughout Yahoo Shopping, and in the jewelry and watches, and computers and electronics categories of Yahoo Auctions. Additionally, ValueVision will be promoted on broadcast-related modules in My Yahoo and throughout the Yahoo network of properties.