To: DiViT who wrote (32426 ) 4/20/1998 5:35:00 PM From: John Rieman Respond to of 50808
Is US West going to use the TeleTV, Thomson/Divi box???????????????azcentral.com US West's digital service is expected to deliver better audio and perhaps even better video. It also is compatible with high-definition television, although neither broadcasters nor consumers are yet equipped for that service. "We recognize that's the wave of the future, and that's why it's digital," Stack said. Meanwhile, Cox spokeswoman Stephanie Truitt said the cable company is unprepared to discuss its plans for digital television. "We consider that part of our competitive strategy," she said. US West plans to roll out its video service to 400,000 Valley residents by the end of the year, said Vickey Callen, general manager of US West's cable and multimedia division in Arizona. The company already delivers video service to the DC Ranch housing development in north Scottsdale via fiber-optic lines. It also is starting a trial in Gilbert with US West employees that it expects to expand to the town's 90,000 residents this summer. In addition, the company has filed applications with Chandler, Glendale and Mesa to deliver similar service and is talking with Tempe and Phoenix officials. Callen said US West has no reason to believe that the communities will fight its applications. "So far, all of our discussions have been very favorable," she said. US West's video service will come with a set-top box and carry more than 120 channels. They include basic, premium, pay-per-view and even video-on-demand programs that can be ordered from an on-screen guide. Cox has about 70 channels and does not offer video-on-demand programs. Video programming also will incorporate US West services such as caller identification and voice messaging that can be viewed on a TV screen.