Creative

Ion Television, a general entertainment network that claims to reach over 98 million US households via cable, satellite and the TV stations of its parent company, Ion Media Networks, has launched an interactive microsite to accompany the primetime crime drama series, "Without a Trace."

Most television hosts will do whatever it takes to keep their programs on the air, but when a power failure struck Jimmy Kimmel's show on Monday evening, he really went the extra mile: he grabbed a laptop computer and shot the entire episode on a Webcam, becoming director, cameraman and lighting designer for the night.

Comcast Labs has developed a prototype of a web-based remote control that will extend Comcast's interactive programming guide to many IP-enabled devices. The Xfinity Remote, which Brian Roberts demoed today on an iPad at the NCTA show, enables you to search for your favorite shows and movies on television and video on demand, change the channel on your cable box right from your iPad, and set your DVR remotely.

Google has announced a bid to dominate the television screen in the same way that it dominates the web - launching Google TV to software developers in San Francisco, the company set out its ambition to combine "the best of the web with the best of TV".

In just one week on NBC, the detectives on "Law and Order" investigated a cash-for-clunkers scam, a nurse on "Mercy" organized a group bike ride, Al Gore made a guest appearance on "30 Rock," and "The Office" turned Dwight Schrute into a cape-wearing superhero obsessed with recycling. Coincidence? Hardly. NBC Universal planted these eco-friendly elements into scripted television shows to influence viewers and help sell ads.

Talk about getting caught with your pants down. After running back-to-back ads in the Super Bowl utilizing the same creative theme -- people walking about without any trousers -- CBS has agreed to give one of the marketers involved additional ad time to make up for the gaffe, according to a person familiar with the situation.