so,um,like,uhhh... well, ya know, like does this, ya know, maybe answer your question, ya know??
DJ: LocalSource Live in Rockford, Illinois; Source Media's Interactive Channel
(PR Newswire 04/12 08:58:27)
Unveils LocalSource Television Programming
ROCKFORD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 1999--
Local And National Officials Preview
Nation's First 2-Way Interactive Digital Plant In
Insight Communications' Rockford, Illinois System
Source Media (NASDAQ:SRCM) and Insight Communications celebrated the launch
of Insight Digital cable service and the Interactive Channel's
LocalSource(SM) Television programming at Insight's Rockford, Illinois
system late Friday, April 9, with a reception for local, state and federal
officials. Attendees were able to see the nation's first digital two-way
interactive cable plant and preview the LocalSource(SM) suite of services
including local weather, sports, movie and event listings as well as the
revolutionary SourceGuide(SM) on-screen navigator which will direct viewers
to all television options and serve as a TV portal to interactive services
including locally sourced Internet content.
Commenting on the launch of Insight Digital with LocalSource(SM) and
SourceGuide(SM) capabilities, Tom Oliver, President of the Interactive
Channel said, "The secret is out. LocalSource(SM) is delivering these
services to the Rockford, Illinois community. We are up on schedule."
"The initial response from Insight customers has been overwhelmingly
positive for digital," said Michael Willner, President of Insight
Communications. As we strive to bring our customers a wide range of services
that deliver choice and convenience we believe that LocalSource(SM) will
offer that to the Rockford community and in the future, our other digital
launch markets."
Key to the successful launch of LocalSource(SM) Television with Insight was
the integration of real-time, two-way capability onto the General Instrument
platform of DCT digital terminals, which deliver Insight Digital. Enabled by
Source's VirtualModem(TM) 2.5 software, a zero cost download to currently
deployed General Instrument (NYSE:GIC) digital terminals, it is compatible
with the entire current GI product line, including the DCT1000, DCT1200, and
DCT2000. The Interactive Channel also has the ability to integrate
VirtualModem(TM) with the Scientific Atlanta digital platform and can adapt
the software to all future generations of digital terminals.
Commenting on the integration with his company's digital terminals, Denton
Kanouff, Vice-President of Marketing for GI's Digital Network Systems
Business unit noted, "GI has successfully launched its' digital interactive
platform and now passes over 28 million homes in North America. The
Interactive Channel service is a strong product that can be deployed on our
platform and gives operators an additional revenue opportunity. Interactive
Channel also gives consumers a whole new suite of valuable services
accessible through their familiar TV set at a very high data rate.
When launched in Rockford and Columbus, the VirtualModem(TM) 2.5 integrated
DCT2000 terminals will allow Insight Communications to deploy the full suite
of LocalSource(SM) television's interactive applications, including a broad
spectrum of localized news and content sourced from the Internet, directory
and guide services, local e-commerce and targeted advertising capabilities.
Cable operators will be able to provide a broad spectrum of interactive
services over television, including Internet access and e-mail via upgraded
two-way cable infrastructure without relying on telephone connections. These
additional capabilities will provide the cable industry with a pre-emptive
positioning against satellite and Multiple Dwelling Unit overbuilds,
providing local interactive services which act as both an acquisition and
retention tool. |
