Thursday September 16, 8:03 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Cablevision and Sony Team to Bring Next-Generation Digital Services to New York-Area Homes
Companies to Create Digital Platform to Deliver Interactive Services Including Video-on-Demand, Web-enhanced Television, E-mail, and Dramatically Expanded Programming
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 1999-- Cablevision Systems Corporation (ASE: CVC - news) and Sony Corporation of America today announced plans to develop and deploy a new- generation digital entertainment and broadband communications platform throughout the New York metropolitan area. This new platform will link Cablevision's state-of-the-art delivery network with new, advanced cable set-top boxes designed and manufactured by Sony.
The digital platform, which features an interactive program guide, will enable Cablevision customers to enjoy an array of advanced services including: video-on-demand; always-connected, Web-enhanced television; e-mail; interactive game services; and scores of other new programming choices.
Sony will provide system design and software integration for the new platform, which includes both headend equipment and OpenCable-compliant digital set-top boxes. Both companies will collaborate on the development of certain digital entertainment services.
Cablevision, with the most extensive broadband network in the nation's largest media market - New York - and Sony, a unique company with extensive experience in the electronics and entertainment industries, together will create enormous synergies to deliver sophisticated programming and interactive digital applications. The companies expect to expand the capabilities and value of the television, connecting customers with the most sophisticated two-way fiber-optic delivery system in the nation.
''Together with Sony, the premier company in home electronics, Cablevision is poised to offer our customers the most dramatic change in home entertainment to date,'' said Cablevision President and CEO James L. Dolan. ''Cablevision's state-of-the-art network and Sony's consumer expertise fit together magnificently to deliver on the promise of broadband as our customers enter a new digital age.''
''We are delighted to be joining forces with Cablevision to build advanced television technologies and a wide array of interactive entertainment options for consumers,'' said Howard Stringer, chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation of America. ''For Sony, we see this as another critical step in our strategy to marry the power of our electronics and technology assets with our vast entertainment holdings to create a compelling 21st century lifestyle experience.''
Cablevision expects to begin launching the new service throughout its New York metropolitan area cable systems next year to a potential audience of more than 4 million homes.
Planned advances Cablevision customers will enjoy include:
Video-on-demand: Viewers will have instant access -- via a button on their remote controls -- to a library of movies, television shows and videos, including children's, educational and instructional options.
Always-connected, Web-enhanced television: Internet technology will enhance customers' digital cable experience. Customers will be able to check e-mail online via their televisions, using either an on-screen cursor or an optional wireless remote keyboard.
Wider programming choices: Cablevision will expand dramatically the number of sports, news and entertainment program services it offers, introducing dozens of new movie options and digital-quality music.
Games: Customers will be able to access and enjoy new interactive game services on their televisions using the latest technology.
Interactive program guide: An easy-to-use navigational device will allow viewers to move seamlessly among the many programming features and new digital services.
Sharper picture and sound: Customers will enjoy the benefits of digital video with a crisper television picture and improved sound clarity.
The advanced digital set-top boxes will incorporate the i.LINK(TM) digital interface (IEEE-1394) and the Digital Transmission Content Protection (''5C DTCP'') method. The i.LINK(TM) digital interface with 5C DTCP method will allow for the secure transmission of high definition television (HDTV) signals through the set-top boxes to digital television sets.
Sony and Cablevision will collaborate to leverage the capabilities of the i.LINK(TM) interface with Sony's HAVi (Home Audio-Video Interoperability)-based home networking software and Aperios real-time operating system to increase the breadth and variety of potential applications.
Sony Corporation of America, based in New York City, is the U.S. subsidiary of Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo. Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion pictures, computer entertainment operations, and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of more than $56 billion in the last fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
For Internet Users: Sony Corporation of America background and other helpful information can be found on Sony Corporation of America's Website (http://www.sony.com/SCA/index.html). Sony Corporation worldwide information can be found at: world.sony.com
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading telecommunications and entertainment companies. The company's cable television operations serve more than 3.4 million subscribers located primarily in the New York, Boston and Cleveland metropolitan areas. Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a 75 percent-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, manages entertainment, news and sports programming businesses. Rainbow Media's assets include ownership interests in: American Movie Classics; Bravo; Madison Square Garden, L.P.; Radio City Entertainment; and FOX Sports Net. The Company also owns and operates The Wiz consumer electronics store in 40 locations, as well as 290 motion picture theatre screens in the New York metropolitan area. |
