| MUMBAI:
Q-Matrix- A Golden Puzzle is a live, phone-in, anchored game show that combines
the best of the video puzzle and the TV Quiz and affords an easy opportunity to
get loaded with gold in less than 5 minutes. The
first programme in Malayalam television history to use virtual technology it will
be telecast every Monday to Thursday at 1.30 pm from July 5th .
The show involves
the step-by-step uncovering and guessing the identity of a famous personality
whose image is hidden underneath a matrix of patterned blocks. These blocks are
arranged in rows on the rectangular grid and are numbered sequentially from 0
to 99. The
programme which is of one hour duration is divided into ‘periods’ of
5 minutes. At the beginning of the show, the patterned matrix will be seen on
the screen as the anchor furnishes clues which give a vague idea of the person
to be identified. As the first 5 minute period starts, interested viewers who
want to have a crack at the puzzle can begin calling –in.
In order to
get a glimpse of the celebrity’s photo, the 1st caller selects a set of 5
blocks from anywhere on the matrix which are then removed to reveal a fraction
of the face beneath. He is given a few seconds to make out the character from
this narrow strip of visible image, assisted by more tips and hints from the anchor.
If he succeeds in recognizing the figure, he hits the jackpot straight away; if
not, he forfeits his chance and the second caller waiting in the line, tries his
luck . If
none of the callers of the 1st period can guess the identity , then the Q matrix
passes on to the 2nd 5 minute period. The 1st participant has the prerogative
to request a further 5 blocks to be taken down from the matrix to disclose more
of the photograph. If this fragmentary image is enough to determine the correct
answer, there is a bonanza awaiting the contestant . If the question comes down
to the 3rd period, 5 more blocks are done away with and if the caller pinpoints
the image accurately he will still win prizes in gold. 10
gold coins are up for grabs every day, 9 for the identification and 1 for answering
an SMS question that will be posted at the end of every episode. The prizes will
be dispatched at the earliest to the doorstep of the lucky winners.
Taking up the
dual challenge of the photo puzzle is open to anyone with a good memory and a
sense of proportion of the human face ; these bravehearts have naught to lose
only plenty of gold to gain, in the comfort of their living rooms.
An addictive
enigma that offers piecemeal identification of a major league player , this brain
teaser of a show tests one’s intelligence, general awareness and common sense
even as it rains gold on its participants. | 
