Robert, et al, are you familiar with WorldGate Communications (WGAT)? Subject 25808 sec.gov
I just got heard about them, as they are planning on doing their IPO this week.
They should certainly stir up some interest in IATV, as their business is based on 128k, TV-based internet service. Some highlights from the prospectus, which I have just skimmed and recommend to all:
* "...WorldGate's objective is to transform advertising, commerce and information delivery for the consumer mass market through its combination of television with the Internet..."
* "...Our CHANNEL HYPERLINKING(SM) technology integrates the dynamics of the Internet with television's proven advertiser-sponsored entertainment model. This technology will enable a viewer watching a television program or advertisement to link within seconds to a related interactive Web site. We are working with over 70 television programmers, advertisers, advertising agencies and e-commerce merchants to develop a centralized database that provides viewers with CHANNEL HYPERLINKING capability..."
* "...WorldGate has established relationships with many providers of content for the WORLDGATE Service including programmers such as CNN, C-SPAN, The Weather Channel, Showtime, E! Entertainment Network, Lifetime, Arts & Entertainment, HGTV and CourtTV. Similarly, WorldGate has established relationships with Internet and other information content or service providers such as Citicorp, DoubleClick, Excite and Zip2. The WORLDGATE Service provides them with an opportunity to broaden their offerings by taking advantage of the dynamic capabilities of the Internet linked with cable television's broad subscriber base. The television-based nature of the WORLDGATE Service provides a natural portal for interaction between the consumer and programming and other content providers..."
* "...As of March 15, 1999: General Instrument had invested an aggregate of approximately $5.5 million and owned 454,716 shares of common stock of WorldGate or approximately 2.9% of the total outstanding shares; and Scientific-Atlanta had invested an aggregate of approximately $3.5 million and owned 333,505 shares of common stock of WorldGate or approximately 2.1% of the outstanding shares."
* "...HAL M. KRISBERGH [Chairman and CEO]has been with WorldGate since its inception in March 1995. From September 1981 to September 1994, Mr. Krisbergh was an executive officer of General Instrument. Mr. Krisbergh served as President of General Instrument's Communications Division and, for the past 15 years, has been a well-known figure in the cable industry. He is a recognized leader in the development of addressable cable boxes, impulse pay-per-view, optoelectronics and digital audio technologies. In 1991, Mr. Krisbergh received cable television's prestigious Vanguard award. Prior to joining General Instrument, Mr. Krisbergh was employed by W. R. Grace & Co., Deloitte & Touche and Raytheon Company..." |
