NBC to Offer Interactive Feature

This fall, some NBC viewers will be able to use their television remote controls to punch up plot summaries of network shows, check sports statistics or order products advertised on the air.

The network announced Monday a partnership with Alameda-based software developer Wink Communications Inc. to be the first major U.S. broadcaster to offer interactive elements to consumers.

The system will work through specially adapted cable television remote control boxes. It will be available to an estimated 800,000 people by the end of the year, but NBC won’t announce until August which consumers will get it first.

Wink has made trial runs of its interactive technology with cable networks such as CNN and Court TV.