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Scripps Networks Selects General Instrument's DigiCipher(R) II Encoder Technology to Launch New Network
05/18/1999 PR Newswire
(Copyright (c) 1999, PR Newswire)
SAN DIEGO, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- General Instrument Corporation (NYSE: GIC) announced a $1.7 million contract with Scripps Networks division for the installation and support of GI's DigiCipher(R) II encoders and related digital transmission equipment at Scripps' Knoxville, Tennessee broadcast facility and DSR4400V IRDs for affiliates. The new equipment will enable Scripps to launch its new Do It Yourself (DIY) network by its expected on-air date of September 1999 and, at the same time, convert its Food Network to MPEG -2 format to ensure compatible, open digital standards with other operators.
According to the contract, GI will supply Scripps with a three-channel DigiCipher II encoding system, an Uplink Control System, and an Event Trigger System (ETS) to broadcast frame-accurate cue tone messages in MPEG -2 format when there is an opportunity for a local commercial insertion. The contract also includes 1,300 Model DSR4400V professional digital integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) to be installed at cable television headends, providing video and audio programs output as well as enabling conversion of the cue tone messages to tones for distribution to ad-insertion equipment.
Scripps, a long-term and highly valued GI customer, currently uses VideoCipher(R) II Plus technology for its Home & Garden Television (HGTV) service and DigiCipher equipment for the Food Network and other services. This equipment purchase is the latest in Scripps' strategy to position itself for the digital future by unifying platforms, consolidating network operations, increasing satellite/transponder efficiency, and building in future expandability.
"GI's DigiCipher II system was chosen to deliver our growing networks based on the leadership position GI and this product have demonstrated in the cable market place," said Mark Hale, Senior Vice President of Operations at Scripps Networks. "DigiCipher II technology increases the number of outlets for our cable programs and allows us to enrich the viewers' experience with our new programming and future digital content strategies."
"As a recognized leader in cable programming, Scripps Networks will benefit from GI's pioneering digital technology for standard- and high- definition cable television," said Tom Lynch, Senior Vice President and General Manager of GI's Satellite and Broadcast Network Systems (SBNS) business unit. "The DigiCipher II system's state-of-the-art technology is both flexible and expandable for its subscribers' growing digital programming needs."
DigiCipher II technology is developed by General Instrument's San Diego- based SBNS business unit, which provides digital television systems sending compressed video service to cable television headends, television network affiliates, corporate locations, or consumer homes. The technology can compress and multiplex both SDTV and HDTV signals within a single integrated transmission system. It is compatible with MPEG -2 standards for transport and video syntax. The DigiCipher II system uses the Dolby(R) AC-3 audio compression system. The complete DigiCipher II system includes system control, encoders, access control, modulation, and a family of professional IRDs.
The E.W. Scripps Company is the 25th largest media company in the world, operating daily newspapers in 19 markets, nine network-affiliated large-market television stations, and three cable television networks. Scripps Networks division focuses on the development and ownership of information and entertainment content. Scripps' newest division is Category TV, which currently broadcasts Home & Garden Television, the Food Network, and the upcoming Do It Yourself network.
General Instrument is a leading worldwide provider of integrated and interactive broadband access solutions, teaming with its business partners to lead the convergence of the Internet, telecommunications and video entertainment industries.
Visit General Instrument at our Web Site -- gi.com
Contact: /CONTACT: Media, Sharon Corbitt, Director of Communications, 215-323-1873, scorbitt@gi.com, or Investor, Dario Santana, VP, Investor Relations, 215-323-1213, dsantana@gi.com, both of General Instrument/ 16:05 EDT |
