DISH Network has announced its 2009 Interactive Television Summit Award winners celebrating the best developers in interactive television (iTV).

DISH Network's iTV service hosts a series of applications including DishGAMES, DISH Network's six channel mosaic, and other unique features like Papa John's store proximity locator. DISH Network also uses the service to host interactive advertisements (iAds) which allow viewers to activate triggers which lead to specialized content such as information pages, discount coupons and long form advertising channels.

"This was a remarkable year for iTV and our annual Summit serves as an excellent way to celebrate our successes and discuss new opportunities," said Scott Higgins, director of iTV for DISH Network. "Whether it's growing our Ad Sales unit, launching targeted interactive marketing campaigns for our clients or adding new, innovative games and services to our platform, iTV continues to expand at an amazing rate."

DISH Network recognized winners in seven categories:

• Develper of the Year: BIAP
• Best New Application: BIAP
• Best Game Developer: Oberon
• Best in Marketing: Oberon
• Best New Technology: OpenTV
• Best iAd: Brightline
• Best Special Event: Ensequence and NBC

DISH Network's iTV service features more than 30 interactive channels, DishGAMES, DISH Network Channel 100 six-channel mosaic and a variety of games and other features. There are more than 20 million iTV enabled DISH Network set-top boxes in the U.S.