uniView Technologies and Spark
Interactive Sign Memphis Networks
for Video On Demand Set Top Box
Deployment
Memphis Networks to Deploy uniView 310 With Digital Content
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 1999-- uniView Technologies Corp.
(Nasdaq:UVEW - news) and Spark Interactive, through their business agreement, will deploy
through Memphis Networks LLC, a joint venture between Memphis Light Gas and Water and
A&L Networks Inc., the uniView 310 set top box.
Memphis Networks is one of the first next generation networks being deployed between a public
utility and private sector. Memphis Light Gas and Water has over 400,000 customers in the
Memphis and Shelby County area with electricity, natural gas and water. Spark Interactive will
provide digital movies, music, games, cable TV and Internet through the uniView 310 with an
expected penetration of ultimately 60%.
Spark Interactive will coordinate the deployment of the set top box and digital service solution
using Memphis Networks broadband infrastructure, which expands to an OC192 capability,
currently the largest bandwidth available. A & L Networks mission is to work with utilities to
design and build next generation broadband telecommunication networks.
''uniView is very enthusiastic about being the set top box provider for Spark Interactive's
customers. We believe that their digital packaging of content and Memphis Networks broadband
network and other A&L Networks ventures will provide uniView expanded market share in the
set top box market. Revenues for this project should begin significantly in the first quarter of
calendar year 2000,'' said Tom O'Mara, VP of Sales and Marketing.
''Spark Interactive will begin deploying the first set top boxes beginning first quarter '00,'' said
Bill Dever, President Spark Interactive. ''We are confident that uniView is the best choice for a
STB to allow us to become the leader in delivering these bundled solutions.''
Dallas-based uniView Technologies Corp. offers the expertise and innovative tools necessary to
create fully customized video-on-demand, interactive applications, e-commerce, and other
interactive broadband services. Building on a foundation of convergence technology, and the
understanding of end user requirements, uniView has merged its Internet access technologies and
existing applications with the technologies of its development partners to deliver the future of
interactive networking products and services.
In 1997, uniView introduced its first revolutionary set top box and, today, its Advanced Systems
Group (ASG) uses convergence devices and integration expertise to design custom broadband
networks for clients in multi-level marketing, hospitality, utilities, banking, medical facilities, and
telecommunications. In addition to complete network system design, ASG also offers Web site
development, Web site hosting and full international Internet access, while uniView's Product
Group focuses on research, product development and customer service. More information on
uniView is available at www.uniView.net.
As the world's consumers demand more product to fill new outlets for entertainment created by
emerging technologies, producers everywhere are taking position to supply the needs of the
exploding information/entertainment market. SPARK INTERACTIVE knows that the
development and introduction of the information appliance (i.e. a VOD set-top-box) into the
home will create a global demand for digital information and entertainment products. Currently
the world market for entertainment products is $600 billion, and SPARK INTERACTIVE feels
that with this new ease of access that this figure will raise exponentially. SPARK INTERACTIVE
is poised for the arising opportunities in the digital revolution.
A&L Networks develops its partnerships by building upon its visionary and conceptual
approach, complemented by an entrepreneurial, flexible, and ''out-of-the box'' mode of
operation. This allows A&L Networks to efficiently and effectively work with its strategic
partners through the entire process of planning, designing, implementing, and operating a tailored
telecommunications business that is responsive to the specific needs of the utility and to the needs
of the local community. Our customized approach is ideal, as it addresses all aspects to plan and
implement a successful telecommunications business.
NOTICE: Some of this information may contain ''Forward-Looking Statements'' which are
company plans, projections and uncertainties. For a discussion of risk factors associated with
some of these plans and projections, please refer to the company's SEC filings, which contain
additional discussion about those factors which could cause actual results to differ from
management's expectations.
Contact:
uniView Technologies Corporation, Dallas
Robert E. Fudickar, 972/233-0900
E-mail: bfudickar@uniView.net |
