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General Instrument to Unveil New Datacasting Services Package for Broadcast Digital Television at the 1999 National Association of Broadcasters Convention
PR Newswire - April 16, 1999 14:29
GI to Demonstrate Its Complete Package of Integrated Hardware, Software,
And Services That Enables New Business Opportunities for Broadcasters
SAN DIEGO, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- General Instrument Corporation (NYSE: GIC) today announced that it will introduce its complete package of hardware, software, and services -- which enable datacasting, platform development, and Internet applications for the broadcast market -- at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Exhibition (April 19-22). Leveraging years of experience in implementing services for these applications, GI will demonstrate its enabling technology that can be deployed to provide new and exciting value-added services to broadcasters at Booth L24068 (Las Vegas Convention Center) throughout the show.
"GI is excited to be part of this groundbreaking data broadcast service, which sends Web data via TV signals -- and puts broadcasters on the cutting edge of Internet-TV convergence technology. It's been noted that eighty percent of Internet users visit the same sites every day -- and GI's role simply makes it easier for broadcasters to deliver enhanced services to subscribers," said Thomas J. Lynch, Senior Vice President and General Manager of GI's Satellite and Broadcast Network Systems business unit.
The WavePhore Digital Broadcast Suite(TM), which provides the technology to implement this service, employs a Datacasting Server and scheduling software installed at the broadcast facility. Software and DTV tuner cards inserted into the users' personal computers receive the broadcast signal and decode the Web pages transmitted in a data portion of the ATSC-compliant transport stream. The data is stored on the PC hard drive, so users do not have to wait for information to download.
At NAB99, visitors to GI's booth will see examples of the technology required within the local broadcast studio and in the home, as well as applications which utilize this technology. In addition, GI plans to offer a deployment assistance program and turnkey datacast services to help broadcasters get involved with datacasting successfully and quickly.
GI's hardware performs like a server, storing the data to go out over airwaves to consumer homes. The resident software gathers service information from the Internet or local content sources and schedules it for broadcast. As an associated service to broadcasters, GI offers a package of pre-configured services so broadcasters do not need to search and collect the general information of mass interest, such as stock ticker or world news, and then broadcasters can tailor it to their local viewing area.
Two types of new data delivery models are now possible, due in large part to the flexibility of the ATSC digital television standards and the very nature of digital video. The first allows a constant "data pipe" to the home by allocating a fixed portion of the 19.39 mbps bandwidth to data services. Simply allocating 500 kbps may provide significantly enriched applications such as streaming video clips, audio services, data delivery, and more. The second is called "opportunistic data" and takes advantage of the fact that all video sequences do not require the full bandwidth of the digital channel. Sequences that exhibit reduced motion or low picture detail provide "opportunities" to insert data into the video stream.
"We've spent the last two years developing technology and relationships with industry partners to facilitate a rich complement of datacasting and interactive services that accompany the launch of digital cable and cable modems," added Lynch. "Because broadcasters are on the verge of transmitting digital programming, coupled with their powerful local brand, an ideal environment exists to transform these technologies into new, value-added broadcast services."
General Instrument is a leading worldwide provider of integrated and interactive broadband access solutions, teaming with its business partners to lead the convergence of the Internet, telecommunications and video entertainment industries.
Visit General Instrument at its Web Site -- gi.com
WavePhore Digital Broadcast Suite is a trademark of WavePhore, Inc. (Nasdaq: WAVO)
SOURCE General Instrument Corporation
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