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Cable television broadcasting industry

MediaOne Digital Launches with General Instrument's Technology

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

MediaOne, a leading broadband services company, has selected General Instrument's digital cable products for its 1999 deployment in systems serving approximately two million subscribers. This initiative marks a significant step towards MediaOne's goal of offering digital services beyond its initial Detroit deployment, beginning in the second quarter. The deployment will employ GI's DCT-2000 interactive digital set-top terminal, which enables a rich suite of broadcast and interactive services, including digital quality pictures, Dolby Digital audio, an interactive on-screen program guide, and many more channels.

Key Takeaways:

  • MediaOne has selected General Instrument's digital cable products for its 1999 deployment in systems serving approximately two million subscribers.
  • The deployment will employ GI's DCT-2000 interactive digital set-top terminal, which enables a rich suite of broadcast and interactive services.
  • MediaOne plans to offer digital services in selected markets beyond its initial Detroit deployment beginning in the second quarter.
  • GI will work with MediaOne and other technology partners to evolve the digital platform toward an open architecture led by MediaOne's specifications.
  • Judi Allen, senior vice president of Video for MediaOne, stated that GI's field-proven product allows MediaOne to immediately launch digital services in key markets.
  • Dave Robinson, senior vice president and general manager of Digital Network Systems for General Instrument, emphasized the company's efforts to support MediaOne's digital launches and plan for the gradual enhancement of technologies and services.
  • The DCT-2000 consumer terminal has an integrated real-time RF return capability, enabling real-time interactive services in the home, including video-on-demand, high-speed Internet access, e-mail, and electronic commerce applications.
  • MediaOne plans to test additional products from GI in its multi-vendor open digital architecture later in 1999 and in 2000.
  • These new systems will enable MediaOne's subscribers to access real-time interactive services, including the ability to simultaneously watch interactive television, surf the World Wide Web, and talk on a telephone using Internet Protocols.

Statistics:

  • Approximately two million subscribers will be served by the systems deploying General Instrument's digital cable products.
  • The deployment will employ GI's DCT-2000 interactive digital set-top terminal.
  • MediaOne has about five million customers, and the MediaOne Group serves more than seven million customers worldwide.
  • MediaOne Group's proportionate revenue for 1997 was $6.6 billion.

Sources:

  • General Instrument Corporation Press Release, February 8, [no date]
  • MediaOne Group website: www.mediaone.com (no date)
  • General Instrument website: www.gi.com (no date)

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