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Technology Stocks : Concurrent Computer (CCUR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 6:09:00 AM
From: Christiaan McDonald  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 21142
 
Jeff, I tend to think, since SNDV seems to be running the show, that
they would not be buying at 7 3/8 if they were going to let the
stock go down significantly. Ever since SNDV has been in this stock
it has followed exactly the same pattern. Goes up to a new high and
then backs off about 1/2 or a little more and trades there awhile.

I admit I am a little antsy waiting on the Time Warner roll out.
After all, you and I and others on here have been waiting on this for
two years. The Time Warner initial contract may not be huge but it
will be a signal to all in the cable industry that "all is well in VOD
land" and then they will all jump on board.

I am beginning to think that the non residential is going to just as
big for CCUR as the residential. SEAC has been strangely quiet on
the non residential front. Do you think they (and Ncube and Diva)
are going to let CCUR have all the non residential?

Ken



To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 8:19:00 AM
From: Nimbus  Respond to of 21142
 
DIVA TO INTEGRATE VIDEO-ON-DEMAND SERVICE WITH MICROSOFT TV PLATFORM ADAPTATION KIT

CHICAGO, IL (June 14, 1999) – DIVATM announced today that it is working with Microsoft Corp. to integrate DIVA's end-to-end video-on-demand solution with the MicrosoftTV Platform Adaptation Kit (Microsoft TVPAK). This combination of DIVA and Microsoft TVPAK provides another viable opportunity for MSOs to offer a compelling VOD service to customers. Together VOD and Internet services expand the cable TV experience, and generate new revenue streams and drive digital box penetrations.

"There is a growing interest within the cable industry in the Microsoft TVPAK platform which will accelerate and simplify deployment of multiple interactive applications on digital set-tops," said Ray McDevitt, DIVA's Executive Vice president of Business Development and Product Management. "Microsoft TVPAK is a strong platform enabling the cable operator to provide interactive services and, more specifically, video-on-demand."

"Microsoft believes VOD is a valuable service and is excited to be working with an industry leader like DIVA," said Alan Yates, Director of Platform Marketing, Microsoft. "Together, we are providing cable operators an outstanding combination of technology, development tools and open interfaces."

The Microsoft TVPAK is comprised of client software and server software which merge technologies of the Internet and television, to create new devices, services, and content to enhance the entertainment value and usefulness of television for consumers. The client software, Microsoft TV, operates a range of TV-centric appliances-from Internet terminals to advanced set-top boxes to integrated televisions-while the server software, Microsoft TV Server, will be used by network operators to deploy and manage a rich, scalable, enhanced TV service.

The DIVA solution consists of the field-proven DIVA Video Server (DVS)—which is fully scalable and enables cable operators to expand their mix of programming with more than 1,000 titles to serve thousands of customers simultaneously; DIVA's DigiLink—the industry's lowest cost QAM modulator and upconverter for VOD applications that includes gigabit MPEG optical links from the video server; and the DIVA System Manager (DSM)—a comprehensive suite of back-office software that enables On Demand TV services. The DSM also provides real-time, transactional billing interfaces with major billing companies, maintains video-asset tracking systems and controls the active VOD sessions via the consumer's digital set-top.

DIVA Systems Corporation (www.divatv.com) is a privately held company founded in June 1995 and is headquartered in the heart of California's "Silicon Valley" on the campus of SRI International (formerly the Stanford Research Institute), in Menlo Park. DIVA commercially launched its digital On Demand TV solution in cable television systems in the Fall of 1997 and is now deployed in five cable systems in the U.S.



To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 8:20:00 AM
From: Nimbus  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 21142
 
DISNEY CHANNEL AND DIVA AGREE TO BRING POPULAR KIDS PROGRAMMING TO VIDEO-ON-DEMAND SERVICE

DIVA's True VOD Service Makes Disney Channel Kids Package Available On Demand

CHICAGO, IL (June 13, 1999) – DIVATM and Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, have signed a licensing agreement to bring selected Disney Channel original programming to DIVA's On Demand TV service. Offerings will include original Disney Channel series, specials, movies, and classic Disney programs from the Vault Disney programming block. These offerings will be made available to customers on an ala carte basis, in a Disney Channel package, and as part of DIVA's OnSet Kids Unlimited.

This agreement includes such Disney Channel programming as the critically-acclaimed Bug Juice, a reality series chronicling the adventures of kids at summer camp; the animated preschool series Disney's PB&J Otter from Jumbo Pictures; You Lucky Dog, a Disney Channel original movie starring Kirk Cameron; and many others.

"We are extremely pleased to have Disney Channel on board and believe that DIVA's video-on-demand service is a new and exciting medium enabling Disney Channel to extend its reach beyond conventional means of distribution," said David Zucker, President and CEO of DIVA.

"Disney Channel offers quality programming for children of all ages," said Dina Levi, Director of Programming and Children's Content Acquisition of DIVA. "Now kids will have the opportunity to watch their favorite Disney shows whenever they want and as often as they want. "

"We believe that DIVA offers a truly innovative way of delivering Disney Channel's programming to our viewers," said Peter Cullen, Vice President, Business Development for Disney/ABC Cable Networks.

With rights to more than 3,000 new release and library titles from major studios, producers and distributors, DIVA's On Demand TV — an enhanced form of interactive video-on-demand — offers immediate, in-home access to a diverse and continuously evolving selection of movies, children's shows and special interest programming. DIVA's On Demand TV also features pause, fast-forward and rewind functionality and high quality digital picture and sound.

The DIVA Video Server (DVS) is fully scalable and enables cable operators to expand their mix of programming with more than 1,000 titles to serve thousands of customers simultaneously. DIVA provides real-time, transactional billing interfaces with major billing companies, maintains video-asset tracking systems and manages a network operations center on a 24-hour, 7-day per week basis to support its cable affiliates.

DIVA Systems Corporation (www.divatv.com) is a privately held company founded in June 1995 and is headquartered in the heart of California's "Silicon Valley" on the campus of SRI International (formerly the Stanford Research Institute), in Menlo Park. DIVA commercially launched its digital On Demand TV solution in cable television systems in the Fall of 1997 and is now deployed in five cable systems in the U.S.

Disney Channel, combining original series, movies and specials with timeless classics, is the only full-time general entertainment television network designed for kids and families. Disney Channel is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.



To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 8:25:00 AM
From: Nimbus  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 21142
 
DIVA AND CHAMBERS COMMUNICATIONS CORP. DELIVER CABLE INDUSTRY'S FIRST EVER INTEGRATED VOD BILLING SYSTEM INTERFACE

Real-Time Transaction Processing Solves Back-Office Billing Issues

CHICAGO, IL (June 13, 1999) – DIVATM and Chambers announced today that the two companies have worked together with Convergys to develop and commercially deploy the cable industry's first-ever, fully automated video-on-demand billing interface using the Convergys' billing and customer service software. The DIVA server, which is located in Chambers' Edmonds, Washington digital headend is directly connected to Chambers' billing computer in Eugene, Oregon. Video-on-demand purchases and subscription packages are passed to the billing system over a "real time TCP/IP" network connection. Each month, Chambers produces a single integrated cable bill that contains both cable and video-on-demand transactions.

Additionally, the billing system interface also enables VOD subscription services to be ordered by the cable customer via their set-top box and remote control. Customers can select a monthly subscription to a package of children's content on the video server. The subscription information is automatically passed to Chambers' billing computer, immediately enabling the customer to watch any of the packaged content as many times as they want during the month for a single monthly fee.

The DIVA billing interface provides for two way transaction processing between the cable operator's Convergys' billing and subscriber management software and the DIVA System Manager (DSM)—a comprehensive suite of back-office software that enables On Demand TV services. The transactions include movie purchase transactions, account and set-top box provisioning data as well as information on subscriber credit limits, spending, and other cable services.

"The ability to integrate interactive purchases and cable subscriptions opens the door for a variety of packaging options selectable by the customer from his home without a telephone call to the cable system," said Mike Johnson, Vice President of Information Systems for DIVA. "The cable billing paradigm is finally changing from subscription processing to a transaction based model. This major shift in billing system processing provides the cable operator with the ability to integrate subscriptions, video-on-demand, or any other purchases on a single consolidated bill."

"It was important to us to be able to offer our customers state-of-the-art VOD services while at the same time keeping a simple, consolidated bill for Chambers Cable video services," said Scott Chambers, President, Chambers Communications Corp. "We are very pleased with the success of the billing interface. The integrated billing system has been operating successfully in our Edmonds system for over three months now."

"The successful launch of this interface marks a key milestone in the commercial deployment of VOD services to the marketplace ," said Curt Champion, Director of Cable & Broadband Marketing for Convergys. "With the introduction of an integrated interface, the management and billing of VOD transactions has been dramatically simplified and will open the door for operators of all sizes to introduce VOD services to their customers."

With rights to more than 3,000 new release and library titles from major studios, producers and distributors, DIVA's On Demand TV — an enhanced form of interactive video-on-demand — offers immediate, in-home access to a diverse and continuously expanding selection of movies, children's shows and special interest programming. DIVA's On Demand TV also features pause, fast-forward and rewind functionality and high quality digital picture and sound.

The DIVA Video Server (DVS) is fully scalable and enables cable operators to expand their mix of programming with more than 1,000 titles to serve thousands of customers simultaneously. DIVA provides real-time, transactional billing interfaces with major billing companies, maintains video-asset tracking systems and manages a network operations center on a 24-hour, 7-day per week basis to support its cable affiliates.

DIVA Systems Corporation (www.divatv.com) is a privately held company founded in June 1995 and is headquartered in the heart of California's "Silicon Valley" on the campus of SRI International (formerly the Stanford Research Institute), in Menlo Park. DIVA commercially launched its digital On Demand TV solution in cable television systems in the Fall of 1997 and is now deployed in five cable systems in the U.S.

Chambers Communications Corp. (www.chamberscable.com) is a privately held company operating five cable systems serving 82,000 customers. Chambers Cable systems are located in Edmonds, Washington; Chico and Novato, California; Sunriver, and Ontario Oregon; and Payette, Idaho. MSO headquarters are located in the newly

constructed Chambers Media Center in Eugene, Oregon, a 100,000-sq. ft. broadcast/production facility. The Chambers Media Center is also home to Chambers Productions and KEZI, one of three ABC television affiliates in Oregon which are owned and operated by Chambers Communications Corp.



To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 8:29:00 AM
From: Nimbus  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 21142
 
SeaChange Extends VOD Leadership with Commitment to Microsoft TV Platform Adaptation Kit
SeaChange's Comprehensive ITV System To Capture Benefits of Microsoft TV for Interactive Cable TV Applications
MAYNARD, Mass., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaChange International, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEAC - news), the leading provider of digital video systems for television, announced its support for the Microsoft TV Platform Adaptation Kit (Microsoft TVPAK) for interactive television applications. With more video server installations, serving more channels than any other provider, SeaChange helps cable operators to capture the advantages of interactive advertising, video- on-demand and other emerging services. By integrating its products with Microsoft TVPAK, SeaChange further extends cable operators' choice of exciting, revenue-generating television applications.

A long-time supporter of Microsoft Corp., SeaChange bases its systems products on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. Through its digital ad insertion systems and WebTV compatibility, SeaChange enables cable operators to offer advertisers Internet links. Now, SeaChange is extending the open- systems benefits of its ITV System to seamlessly interoperate with Microsoft TVPAK, including the rich array of consumer services afforded by the platform. Microsoft TVPAK is comprised of client software and server software which merge technologies of the Internet and television to create new devices, services and content to enhance the entertainment and usefulness of television for consumers.

''SeaChange stands out in the television industry for the quality of its digital systems, and its relationship with Microsoft is a key advantage for the many cable operators that rely on its products,'' said Alan Yates, director of Platform Marketing, Microsoft. ''We're very pleased to have SeaChange on board and expect it will be an important player in interactive television.''

The SeaChange ITV System has been developed as a standard-based platform to ensure interoperability, competitive low prices and smooth integration. Easily scalable, it is a comprehensive VOD system based on the company's proven MediaCluster server architecture and master control center-based software suite, enabling highly automated ITV operation and end-to-end fault- tolerance. The server is scalable to support headend or cable hub installation, which reduces the network bandwidth required for delivering high-quality long-form digital video files.

''Microsoft's software leadership is undisputed and we're very excited to collectively deliver interactive functionality that spans the strengths of television and the Internet,'' said Ed Delaney, vice president of marketing, SeaChange International. ''With the industry's largest installed base of MPEG- 2 video servers and our early commitment to Windows NT, SeaChange has helped establish Microsoft in the television industry and we're confident that our continued relationship will propel dramatic new applications for television operators.''

Serving approximately 20,000 television channels for broadcast and cable television companies worldwide, SeaChange International, Inc. (http://www.schange.com) is the leading provider of MPEG-2 digital video systems. SeaChange's products, incorporating the Company's patented software and hardware technologies, automate the management and distribution of video streams including advertisements, movies, news updates and other broadcast- quality video programming requiring precise execution. Founded in 1993, SeaChange is headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts.

MediaCluster is a registered trademark of SeaChange International.

SOURCE: SeaChange International, Inc.



To: jeffbas who wrote (9534)6/15/1999 8:31:00 AM
From: Nimbus  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 21142
 
SeaChange and General Instrument Bring Interactive Advertising and VOD to Cable
Interactive Television Platforms Provide Benefits for Operators and Viewers Today
NCTA/Cable '99 Booth #3576
CHICAGO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaChange International, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEAC - news) and General Instrument, combining their respective strengths in digital video server application systems and digital broadband networks, are enabling new advanced television services for cable operators. Through close collaboration and open standards, the two companies are today offering new opportunities for interactive advertising, video-on-demand and other interactive services for cable viewers.

SeaChange is the leader in digital ad insertion systems and the developer of the ITV System, a video server-based software platform that enables the delivery of VOD and other services. The systems enable cable operators to digitally encode advertising, movies, programs and other video forms and to deliver multiple channels precisely over broadband networks. Together with General Instrument's digital networks and advanced set-top boxes, cable viewers will be able to interact directly and personally with their televisions.

''These are killer applications that will enrich viewers' television experience while providing practical, rich business opportunities cable operators have desired,'' said Denton Kanouff, vice president of marketing for General Instrument's Digital Network Systems group. ''The success of interactive television relies on the integrated functionality of video server systems and digital networks and together SeaChange and GI usher in the future of television.''

Interactive advertising enables viewers to obtain specific, detailed information that is personally interesting and relevant. It provides a new revenue stream for cable operators who can offer advertisers more innovative opportunities to reach customers. SeaChange also provides a digital stream insertion system for the GI platform, allowing commercials and programs to be inserted at local cable headends. Likewise, interactive programming or video- on-demand, enables cable viewers to watch what they want, when they want it, with pause, forward and rewind capabilities. The collaboration of SeaChange and GI provides a highly integrated solution for cable operators to implement interactive television today.

''SeaChange has been focused on providing pragmatic, scalable video server systems that enable television operators to manage the delivery of advertising and programming streams and our success is proven by that of our customer base,'' said Bill Styslinger, president and CEO, SeaChange International. ''Through our MediaCluster technology and extensive software development we attained the unique ability to provide a means by which the potential of GI's consumer set-tops are realized.''

GI's interactive digital cable systems offer a rich feature set, including real-time RF return, MPEG-2 digital video, Dolby AC3 Digital audio, and the capability to integrate seamlessly with embedded analog systems.