Source Media (SRCM)
What's your take on the potential competition? I was thinking that Gemstar had potential to be the Gorilla of the interactive TV portals. However, it looks like others are not barred from entry. What's to prevent the technology in new "set top boxes" from superceding Gemstars technology and market dominance? ....Just asking. I still have a very hazzy view of this market, the competing technologies, and evolving trends.
From Source Media:
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Friday March 5, 7:48 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Source Media and Insight Communications Introduce Cable Industry's First Two-Way Digital Bundle of Interactive Services
Interactive Channel's Introduction In Rockford, Illinois Features SourceGuide(SM) Navigator and LocalSource(SM) Programming Options
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 1999-- Source Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:SRCM - news) and Insight Communications, Inc. have completed installation of the cable industry's first fully operational two-way interactive digital cable system in Insight's Rockford, Illinois system. This completes the first step of the commercial rollout of the Interactive Channel LocalSource(SM) Television and interactive EPG SourceGuide(SM). Insight Communications will initially offer its subscribers the unique SourceGuide(SM) navigator and the LocalSource(SM) programming package, and intends to phase in other significant applications including Internet-source content and a portal to instant ''on demand'' Video-On-Demand ordering from Interactive Channel's family of digital applications branded SourceSuite.
In making this announcement at the CTAM meeting in New Orleans this week, Insight Communications Senior Vice President of Marketing and Programming, Pam Euler Halling also noted ''Insight is committed to being an industry leader in the deployment of two-way interactive digital services and features. Our launch of the Interactive Channel's LocalSource(SM) suite of interactive services not only gives our subscribers valuable new options, but it also gives us an important competitive edge against alternative home entertainment options.''
The Interactive Channel's integration of real-time, two-way interactive capability onto the General Instrument (NYSE:GIC - news) platform of DCT digital set-top terminals which Insight has purchased for its Rockford and other systems was initially announced late last year at the Western Cable Show. Enabled by Source Media's VirtualModem(TM) 2.0 software, a zero incremental cost software download to industry standard digital terminals, Interactive Channel's digital services are compatible with the entire General Instrument digital terminal product line, including the DCT1000, DCT1200, and DCT2000.
Key to Insight's digital customers' on demand program selection is the electronic program guide (EPG), SourceGuide(SM), which is server-based, taking up little set-top memory, and which features a gridless interface and forward and backward compatibility with all generations of digital set-tops. SourceGuide(SM) also allows an array of the most requested and valued features including personalized menus, surfing channel listings without leaving the current channel, instant pay-per-view ordering, parental control options, and a digital suite of services, conveniently controlled through standard remotes.
''Insight has taken a giant step forward by offering its customers a branded, easy to use, on-demand electronic program guide in the form of a TV portal just like the pop-up screen on a computer,'' noted Tom Oliver, Interactive Channel President. ''We have installed the industry's first true two-way interactive operational digital cable system, on plan with the introduction of consumer-valued interactive services and content.''
Another integral component of the Insight launch is LocalSource(SM), a suite of localized digital programming services grouped under three branded umbrellas:
o LocalGuide(TM) - which provides the viewer with an extensive
suite of deeply localized information including real estate
listings, dining-out guides, entertainment events, legal services
and health care information.
o DailySource(TM) - for local news, weather and sports updates
o QuickSource(TM) - which is a handy television-based encyclopedia
of facts and information
Taken together, these features create A unique bundle of localized, television-centric two-way marketing opportunities for Insight and other digital cable operators to build incremental revenue generating opportunities and provide numerous benefits for advertisers.
Insight Communications is a privately held cable television partnership based in New York, and specializes in offering a variety of state-of-the-art entertainment and networking services. Founded in 1985, Insight is the nation's 18th largest cable operator, serving 525,000 customers, primarily clustered in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. In addition to his membership on the Board of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), Michael S. Willner, Insight Communications' President and CEO, also serves on the Source Media Board of Directors.
Source Media is a leader in localized new media content, advertising and technology. Source Media's Interactive Agency, IT Network, provides streaming media content and advertising services over PC, telephone and digital cable TV. Source's Interactive Channel is the localized interactive cable TV programming service designed for today's digital cable TV programming tiers. VirtualModem(TM) develops and markets the intellectual property, software, and patents behind the company's interactive cable TV technology, which includes Internet on TV. In February of 1999, Source Media and TV Guide Inc. (Nasdaq:TVGIA - news) entered into an agreement in principle with certain binding provisions to form a joint venture to focus on the development of local content and interactive services for the cable television and satellite marketplace. >>>>> |
