While you can't legally watch the Emmys live online, we've whipped together this list of handy companion tools: a backstage livestream; an app that aggregates viewers' social media activity and spits out related Emmy content in real time; a Twitter list of celebrity attendees and nominated shows; and photo-sharing sites with Emmy pictures.
Last year's Emmys began toying with the online social dialogue. This year, with social media-minded Mark Burnett as executive producer, the Emmys and the resources below should help online participation reach new heights. Burnett is no stranger to turning TV shows into interactive powerhouses; he's done it with Survivor, The Apprentice and The Voice, a singing competition that recently became a 24/7 social media conversation.
Live Video
Tune into the livestream above to simultaneously watch backstage action that the cameras don't catch during the main Emmys telecast. Returning for its second year, the backstage webcast starts at 8 P.M. ET and has added a new feature: a host. Comedian Michael Kosta will provide commentary and jokes for you as he hangs out in the control room, where he'll monitor footage from the show and 10 backstage cameras. Those cameras will follow presenters and nominees as they answer questions in the press room and mingle in the greenroom and the winners area. One camera will follow every move and word Lynch makes or says behind the scenes.
iPhone & iPad App
YouTube
Leading up to Sunday's show, the show's YouTube channel has filled up with short, entertaining clips, including one of Burnett, in which he describes his social media initiatives and touts the show's Twitter account, hashtag and free app (see video number two).
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The official hashtag for the show is #EMMYS. Use that to discover which shows and nominees are garnering the most preshow buzz or to interact with other Emmy watchers in real time. Also, E! has compiled a handy Twitter list of shows, nominees and presenters.
TwitPic & Yfrog
To find photos from attendees, keep your eyes on the TwitPic "Emmys" search and the show's Yfrog page, which will display pictures like the image below featuring host Jane Lynch and the cast of Jersey Shore.
