SOURCE: Network Computer, Inc.
NTL Launches Interactive TV Service With Network Computer, Inc. Software
NCI Clinches Second Major Customer Win in the UK
LONDON, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- NTL Incorporated [Nasdaq:NTLI - news], one of the UK's largest integrated communications companies, has announced the launch of NTL TV-Internet, its new interactive television service using software from Network Computer, Inc. (NCI). The new service, which offers a range of Internet-based services, is available today. NTL is NCI's second customer win in the United Kingdom, where service providers have been deploying interactive services at a rapid pace. NTL predicts a huge market for interactive television and has set a target of one million customers by the end of 2001.
''The UK is one of the most buoyant Internet television markets in the world,'' said Mitchell Kertzman, President and CEO of Network Computer, Inc. ''NCI's momentum in the UK will be a barometer for our success in the rest of the world.''
Simon Grieve, NTL Internet's marketing director said: ''We are delighted to be able to deliver this unique service to many of the 16 million UK homes who are currently unable to access the Internet due to the prohibitive costs and complexity of owning a PC. We have also decided to future-proof the service for viewers by creating a rental package -- in other words, our customers need never fear obsolescence but can be confident that the NTL TV- Internet product and future services will constantly evolve''.
NTL is one of the UK's most successful communications companies, supplying integrated cable and telephony services to nearly one million homes. NTL owns a high-speed fiber network capable of delivering a variety of customizable telecommunications, Internet and television services to its customers. NTL's joint venture with Virgin Net has expanded the company's Internet customers to almost 200,000 subscribers.
NCI will integrate its technology within NTL's network infrastructure to deliver an easy-to-use service. NCI's TV Navigator (tm) client for ISP software will form the foundation for the new service, enabling NTL's customers to view television and Internet content simultaneously on their television screens. The TV Navigator software will reside in a set-top box manufactured by Acer and will feature a high-speed telephone connection (up to 56 Kbps) back to NTL's service network. NTL will use NCI Connect (tm) ISP Suite server software to manage the set-top boxes, provide security and administer the network.
NTL's TV-Internet service is co-branded with content from the Virgin Group's Virgin Net service. Content includes programming guides, news, electronic commerce, electronic mail and a home page featuring the award winning Virgin Net as a portal for Internet access.
This announcement sees NTL joining the UK's Cable & Wireless Communications in using NCI's software to provide interactive capabilities for broadband deployment.
Network Computer, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 1996. Oracle Corporation [Nasdaq:ORCL - news], Netscape Communications Corporation [Nasdaq:NSCP - news], Acer America Corporation, NEC Corporation [Nasdaq:NIPNY - news], Nintendo, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sony Corporation [NYSE:SNE - news] and NCI employees are its primary investors. NCI builds Internet software for information appliances, including appliances for the corporate desktop. NCI sells its software technology worldwide through partners in North America, Europe and Asia. Corporate headquarters are in Redwood Shores, California. For more information visit NCI's Web site at nc.com.
NOTE: TV Navigator, NCI Connect, and NCI are trademarks of Network Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are used for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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