SwitchPoint Networks, Enron Broadband Services, and Blockbuster Collaborate on Video-on-Demand Initiative

Strategic Insights -

Orem, Utah, is at the forefront of a pioneering effort in video-on-demand technology, as SwitchPoint Networks, Inc., Enron Broadband Services, and Blockbuster, Inc. have joined forces to enable VHS-quality video streaming to residential customers. This collaboration is a significant milestone in the implementation of SwitchPoint's innovative solution for the "last mile bottleneck," aiming to provide broadband communications services at speeds of 100 Mbps. By leveraging Enron's broadband network and SwitchPoint's unique technology, consumers can now access a vast library of movies on demand, enjoying a seamless viewing experience with VHS-quality visuals and sound.

Key Takeaways:

  • SwitchPoint Networks, in collaboration with Enron Broadband Services and Blockbuster, Inc., has launched a video-on-demand service in Orem, Utah, offering VHS-quality video streaming to residential customers.
  • The service employs an IP-based, advanced multimedia system as the set-top box, controlling access to movies, and future-generation set-top boxes are expected to provide interactive multimedia services.
  • Consumers can start, stop, pause, rewind, and view movies on demand, with dependable and predictable service assured by SwitchPoint's Ethernet-based, peer-to-peer technology.
  • The video stream is transported over SwitchPoint's state-of-the-art data network directly to the customer's television set, avoiding bottlenecks typically encountered when distributing data through the global Internet cloud.
  • According to Mark Gilman, President of Blockbuster New Media, "The SwitchPoint network offers innovative technology, flexibility, and speed of service," demonstrating the infrastructure in place for delivering high-quality entertainment on demand.
  • Ken Rice, chairman and CEO of Enron Broadband Services, emphasized the importance of their relationship with SwitchPoint, stating, "Our relationship with SwitchPoint is crucial to the success of this offering..."
  • Rondo Fehlberg, SwitchPoint's Executive Vice President, highlighted the joint approach between SwitchPoint and its partners, enabling the delivery of premium, multimedia applications to end-users and fulfilling the promise of a true broadband Internet.
  • SwitchPoint Networks, formerly known as AirSwitch Corporation, has developed a unique next-generation solution for the "last mile bottleneck," providing broadband Internet access at speeds of 100 Mbps.
  • The company's technology is suitable for residential and small business markets, offering a commercially available and fully-duplexed, bi-directional solution that can be constructed for less than competing technologies like fiber-to-the-home implementations.

Statistics:

  • 7,500 Blockbuster stores are located throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
  • SwitchPoint's technology provides broadband Internet access at speeds of 100 Mbps.
  • The video-on-demand service is available in Orem, Utah, with plans for expansion.
  • The companies have commenced technical trials of the service in New York City.
  • The Blockbuster Entertainment On-Demand service has already begun delivering movies via Enron's broadband network in Seattle and Portland, Ore.

Sources:

  • "SwitchPoint Networks, Enron Broadband Services, and Blockbuster Collaborate on Video-on-Demand Initiative." PRNewswire, 21 Dec. 2000.
  • "SwitchPoint Networks, Inc." www.switchpointnetworks.com
  • "Enron Broadband Services." www.enron.net
  • "About Blockbuster." www.viacom.com