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Telecommunications equipment industry

Scientific-Atlanta and Wink Communications Partner to Enhance TV Experience

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientific-Atlanta and Wink Communications have announced a partnership that will bring Wink's Enhanced Broadcasting to Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer 2000 advanced digital set-top box. This collaboration will enable users to access Wink-enhanced broadcasts from leading networks like NBC, CNN, and ESPN, as well as engage in electronic commerce and other interactive features. The partnership is part of Scientific-Atlanta's strategy to support new revenue opportunities for cable operators through the deployment of interactive TV technologies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between Scientific-Atlanta and Wink Communications will enable users to access Wink-enhanced broadcasts on Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer 2000 set-top box.
  • The Wink Enhanced Broadcasting service adds interactivity and electronic commerce functionality to traditional television programming and advertising.
  • Broadcast and cable networks, including NBC, CNN, and ESPN, will create and add interactive enhancements to their existing programming and commercials.
  • Viewers can respond to these enhancements by requesting information or ordering products through a remote control and a Wink-enabled set-top.
  • The Wink Response Network aggregates viewer responses and forwards electronic orders to advertisers, programmers, and fulfillment houses in accordance with CableLabs' OpenCable specifications.
  • Wink Enhanced Broadcasting has been deployed in Japan since October 1996 and was initially deployed in the United States in June 1998 in Kingsport, Tennessee.
  • Scientific-Atlanta has received purchase orders or commitments for its interactive digital network from 11 major cable operators in the United States and Canada, including Time Warner, TCI, and Comcast.
  • The company has commitments to set up its digital interactive network in 52 major U.S. systems by the end of 1998, representing 12 million cable subscribers.

Statistics:

  • 11 major cable operators in the United States and Canada have placed purchase orders or commitments for Scientific- Atlanta's interactive digital network.
  • These cable operators represent a total of 12 million cable subscribers.
  • 52 major U.S. systems are expected to have Scientific-Atlanta's digital interactive network set up by the end of 1998.
  • Wink Enhanced Broadcasting has been deployed in Japan since October 1996.

Sources:

  • Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. press release, "Scientific-Atlanta and Wink Communications Announce Partnership" (September 23, 1998)
  • Wink Communications, Inc. press release, "Wink Communications and Scientific-Atlanta Partner on Enhanced Broadcasting" (September 23, 1998)

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