• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, January 8, 2010

Committed to upping distribution of its shop-by-remote function, HSN is turning to hardware manufacturers. The network has a deal with Samsung in which the manufacturer will insert a chip in some new HDTV models, facilitating the interactive TV home-shopping function.

Consumers with the devices don't even need to have cable -- they just need to be able to sync an Internet connection with the HDTV. Apps allowing HSN Shop By Remote via a broadband hook-up will also be available in Blu-ray players.

Shop-by-Remote control offers another method for consumers to buy HSN products, joining a 1-800 number, HSN.com, iPhone app and an airline purchasing system on some Southwest and Alaska flights.

Shop By Remote is currently available in 25 million homes served by Comcast, Verizon FiOS, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable's Oceanic division. Comcast has begun a national rollout to its digital cable homes. All FiOS customers have the service.

HSN is in a total of 90 million homes, meaning that 28% of viewers have the iTV opportunity.

On Comcast, viewers can engage in "t-commerce" and purchase jewelry and handbags with the remote control by clicking an icon on-screen while viewing the channel.

FiOS requires the use of a widget and interacting with HSN on a separate screen. That display includes a network simulcast, but also a "FiOS Deal of the Day" list of last 15 items offered and other promotions. The HSN display on the Samsung TVs will include the same.

The opportunity to use HSN via the HDTVs is part of the manufacturer's new launch of a range of apps, including access to games and information. It might usher in an era of deals with retailers to conduct remote-control-fueled transactions.

HSN -- more than 30 years old -- would not comment on the financial arrangements with Comcast, Verizon or Samsung.