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Telecommunications equipment industry

Scientific-Atlanta and Microsoft Collaborate on Delivery of WebTV Service

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientific-Atlanta, a leading supplier of broadband communications systems, and Microsoft Corp., the worldwide leader in software for personal computers, have announced a joint effort to provide the Microsoft WebTV Network service to multiple system operators through the Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 2000 advanced digital set-top box and digital interactive network. This collaboration aims to deliver a long-term broadband service that will help cable operators serve their customers in a complete and customized way. The partnership enables cable operators to offer the WebTV service seamlessly integrated with cable video programming through standard set-top boxes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint effort between Scientific-Atlanta and Microsoft aims to provide the Microsoft WebTV Network service to multiple system operators through the Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 2000 set-top box.
  • The partnership will enable cable operators to offer the WebTV service integrated with cable video programming through standard set-top boxes.
  • Cable operators will be able to cobrand the service and add specific content according to each MSO's needs, for a unique, customized offering.
  • The WebTV service allows users to customize television viewing with features ranging from searchable TV listings to e-mail and Web browsing on the television.
  • The Explorer 2000 set-top box can deliver TV-based applications such as Internet access, video on demand, electronic commerce, and in-home networking.
  • The two companies will collaborate on the design of a next-generation set-top box that will run the Windows CE operating system and be based on the Microsoft WebTV television software platform.
  • The combined Scientific-Atlanta and Microsoft technologies will enable the delivery of existing cable system operator services, including Web browsing, video on demand, e-mail, games, and electronic programming guides.
  • The next-generation set-top boxes will be OpenCable-compliant, allowing them to be interoperable with other vendors' products.

Statistics:

  • Over 500,000 subscribers to the WebTV Network service in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
  • The WebTV Network service costs $19.95 or $24.95 per month, depending on the type of service chosen.
  • The Internet terminals start at $99, while the Internet receivers start at $199.
  • WebTV Networks, Inc. is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.

Sources:

  • [1] Scientific-Atlanta Inc. ( http://www.sciatl.com/ )
  • [2] WebTV Networks, Inc. (includes this article)
  • [3] Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)
  • [4] Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs)
  • [5] LOI (Letter of Intent) between Scientific-Atlanta and Microsoft.

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