General Instrument Launches SURFview(TM), a $99 Set-Top
Terminal That Delivers Global Internet Access Through the Television
Together, GI and WorldGate Communications Help the Cable Industry Close the Digital Divide and Provide Internet Access to All Television Viewers -- SURFview Combines the WorldGate Internet Over TV(SM) application With GI's Advanced Set-Top Technology
TREVOSE, Pa., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- General Instrument Corporation (NYSE: GIC - news) today introduced SURFview(TM), a sub-$100 set-top terminal that enables operators around the world to provide low-cost Internet access, via the television. In addition, GI announced a joint
marketing agreement with WorldGate Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: WGAT - news) that enables the WorldGate Internet Over TV(SM) Application to be a native application on the SURFview platform.
Through the joint marketing agreement, GI will offer the SURFview at a target market price of $99 per set-top to those operators who are currently WorldGate affiliates or choose to become WorldGate affiliate systems. GI's breaking the $100 price barrier for an advanced interactive set-top will enable operators to offer Internet access at a very low monthly fee. Internet access through SURFview and WorldGate becomes an even more affordable and easy to use alternative for consumer households than Internet access with a PC.
SURFview's highly integrated ASIC design, with improved SVGA graphics and increased processor speeds (up to 54 MIPS), combines WorldGate's and GI's advanced technologies to deliver Internet access to WorldGate affiliates from Day 1. It also can support Pay-Per-View and third-party applications like Electronic Program Guides, via software downloads over the broadband network,thereby providing subscribers with even more value.
Ease of New SURFview Technology
WorldGate's Internet service is packaged as a native application inside the SURFview set-top, which means that the operator merely needs to enter into an affiliate agreement and install the WorldGate server at the headend in order to begin offering Internet service. Because SURFview'snew patented technology enables downloadable operating and application software, no additional consumer hardware or memory is required, and the need for truck rolls to add new subscriber
applications is eliminated. These improvements can significantly reduce operators' costs and help increase their return on investment, allowing them to offer Internet access at such low rates.
SURFview also incorporates GI's new dynamic line shuffling technology with added security modes and enhanced access control algorithms for maximum video masking and security. It also maintains backward compatibility with traditional video encryption that includes a combination of dynamic sync suppression, dynamic video inversion, and audio privacy.
Targeting New Consumer Groups
By no longer requiring the consumer to purchase a computer, modem, and expensive access services from an Internet Service Provider, SURFview helps close the Internet access gap and opens up new markets for cable operators to target. SURFview specifically will appeal to two new
consumer groups: 1) those television households (both cable and non-cable) that are unable to afford personal computers, and 2) those that desire Internet access in multiple locations in the home.
''We believe that the cable industry is well-positioned to be the major provider of Internet services to the home and to close the gap between the Internet 'haves' and the 'have nots,''' said John Burke,
Vice President of Marketing of GI's Advanced Network and Telecom Systems business unit. ''SURFview addresses a new market that, until now, was left ignored -- namely, those households unable to afford high-end digital services or high-speed cable modem services. The technology advances behind SURFview will provide a significant cost breakthrough that will in turn help deliver new subscribers and revenue opportunities for operators. SURFview complements the high-end
cable modem and digital technology already out there, as it allows operators to now market Web access to their entire subscriber base.''
''Many consumers are now viewing access to the Internet as almost a necessity,'' said Hal Krisbergh, CEO and Chairman of WorldGate Communications. ''The GI SURFview/WorldGate combination provides a very low-cost way to deliver that access, to facilitate Internet
communication, commerce and convenience. Once in the home, we know from talking with our customers that they find using the television platform for surfing the Web, and for sending and receiving e-mail, easy and satisfying,'' continued Krisbergh. ''From our usage studies, we are finding that WorldGate subscribers are creating their own personalized television viewing experience that now includes Channel HyperLinking(SM) to their Web sites while watching their favorite television shows. The low-cost access provided by SURFview is allowing everyone to participate in this interactive television revolution. The marriage of Internet and television can be available to allhouseholds, and the cable industry will be the network to make it happen.''
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