General DataComm Industries Inc. Announces Contract with Bell Atlantic for Next-Generation Interactive Video Services

Strategic Insights -

Bell Atlantic has selected General DataComm Industries Inc. as the supplier of key multimedia systems for its next-generation interactive video services deployment. The three-year contract has a potential value of $16 million and will further advance Bell Atlantic's leadership position in the deployment of this technology. The improved two-way video service features CD-quality audio, Internet connectivity, and DVD-quality interactive video, which will be available to customers in 13 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia.

Key Takeaways:

  • General DataComm Industries Inc. has been named the supplier of key multimedia systems for Bell Atlantic's next-generation interactive video services deployment.
  • The contract spans three years and has a potential value of $16 million.
  • The GDC equipment will further advance Bell Atlantic's leadership position in deployment of this technology and expansion of its use from education to include remote court procedures and tele-medicine services.
  • The improved two-way video service features CD-quality audio, Internet connectivity, and DVD-quality interactive video.
  • The new service will provide the highest quality, most bandwidth-efficient and easiest-to-use interactive video service available in the market today.
  • The GDC product suite, comprised of the MAC 500 platform and TODD Communications' TC Reliance video system management software, offers picture quality, operating flexibility, ease-of-use, and interoperability.
  • The contract is expected to expand the availability of the interactive video services to 28 other states when Bell Atlantic merges with GTE later this year.

Statistics:

  • $16 million - Potential value of the three-year contract between General DataComm Industries Inc. and Bell Atlantic.
  • 13 - Number of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia where the interactive video services will be available initially.
  • 28 - Number of states where the interactive video services are expected to be expanded to after the merger with GTE.
  • CD-quality audio, - Level of audio quality provided by the improved two-way video service.
  • Internet connectivity - Feature provided by the improved two-way video service.
  • DVD-quality interactive video - Level of video quality provided by the improved two-way video service.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, June 1, 2000.
  • General DataComm Industries Inc.
  • Bell Atlantic.
  • TODD Communications Inc.