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Technology Stocks : C-Cube -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: J Fieb who wrote (36421)	10/2/1998 9:57:00 AM
From: JEFF K	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50808

<hedged bets> SFA Atlanta, Oct. 2 (Bloomberg)--Scientific-Atlanta Inc. expects lagging international sales in its satellite division to cut fiscal 1999 earnings by 10 to 15 cents a share, Chief Executive James McDonald said. (snip) (snip) (snip) The shortfall was primarilly in its division that builds networks for satellite video and data services. McDonald said shortfalls in that business are expected to cut expected fiscal 1999 revenue by about 60 to 80 million. (snip) " We previously announced we are going to cut back our satellite business. We will probably intensify that effort, " McDonald said on a conference call with investors and analysts. (End) I wonder how much of that 60 to 80 million Cube\Divi got and how much of the balance they will pick up? :-)

To: J Fieb who wrote (36421)	10/2/1998 5:26:00 PM
From: John Rieman	Respond to of 50808

J. SpaceTel sounds like SpaceTV(Divi customer), but they are not the same........................ SpaceTel........................... ftmedia.com VAN DER HEYDEN UNVEILS SATELLITE PLANS FOR TAIWAN TAIWAN Ð The SpaceTel Group, headed up by well-connected satellite veteran Thomas van der Heyden, has emerged as the latest player in Taiwan's increasingly crowded direct-to-home satellite landscape. The company, which already has bases in Singapore (Space and Telecommunications Systems Pte Ltd), Indonesia (SpaceTel Indonesia) and the United States (SpaceTel USA), announced the opening of its Taiwan subsidiary, SpaceTel Asia Ltd, in Taipei last week. The Taiwan subsidiary's first task will be to set up a DTH platform for Taiwan. The platform will most likely use Asian Broadcast and Communications Network's (ABCN) L-Star-1 satellite. Among other projects, the SpaceTel group's team designed, built and delivered the digital DTH Indostar (Cakrawarta) system for PT Indovision. President and chief operating officer of the new SpaceTel Asia is Jack Chang, the former chief executive of Favorlangh Communication Consulting (FCC). Chang's FCC was closely involved in developing DBS Asia: Taiwan for the Bangkok-based ABCN. ABCN, which floundered early on in Asia's economic crisis, was acquired last year by Thai communications conglomerate Ucom from would-be satellite mogul Sondhi Limthongkul. Ucom looked set to pull the plug on the ABCN project earlier this year when it failed to come up with the fees required by Arianespace for the L-Star satellite launch. The company appears to have a fresh satellite financing structure in place and plans to launch L-Star-1 in the last quarter of 1998. SpaceTel and ABCN are currently finalising an agreement for SpaceTel's right of first refusal for transponders on L-Star-1's Eastern beam, which covers Taiwan and China. Van der Heyden, who has close personal ties with Ucom bosses in Bangkok, stresses that the deal with ABCN does not involve a buyout, merger, or share swap. SpaceTel Asia hopes to have the Taiwan platform, which will include multi-media applications, up and running by the second quarter of 1999. The launch depends on Taiwan's satellite broadcasting laws, which are still being drafted. "We will build the system but won't turn it on until it's legal," Van der Heyden said. The company is also assisting ABCN in developing business strategies for the L-Star central beam. SpaceTV............................... jetcom.com SpaceTV's MPEG-2/DVB Technology SpaceTV used technology is the most advanced DVB-compliant MPEG-2 systems. Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) is an International Standard Organization (ISO) proposed standard that has been adopted by over 300 international broadcasters, industry and consumer electronics manufacturers and regulators worldwide. DVB is the foundation of the most advanced platform for the delivery of video entertainment in the world today. The open architecture of this DVB standard has distinct advantages: fosters open competition by allowing equipment and system manufacturers to source from multiple component suppliers; and ensures that global volumes of interoperable equipment are always available. In return, this holds down equipment costs which are passed on to consumers. SpaceTV has installed three multi-channel DiviCom MPEG-2/DVB digital video encoding systems at its three broadcasting centers in Lancaster, CA, Brewster, WA, and Taipei, Taiwan, DiviCom's digital video encoder offers a flexible MPEG-2 compression system in a very compact form factor. The encoder is highly modular, enabling the use to configure a complete encoding system for MPEG-2 networking. DiviCom's systems are designed around an innovative, open architecture, permitting flexible and economical digital video networking solution for a variety of applications.

To: J Fieb who wrote (36421)	10/2/1998 7:41:00 PM
From: John Rieman	Respond to of 50808

SpaceTel hasn't announced an encoder vendor for their new service. Last year, they built INDOVISION with NDS encoders. They use Pace and Thomsom RCA boxes................................ <<Among other projects, the SpaceTel group's team designed, built and delivered the digital DTH Indostar (Cakrawarta) system for PT Indovision. >> Encoders.................................................. hlava22.fsv.cvut.cz Indovision MPEG-2 - NDS SR 26850 - FEC 7/8 Indovision............................... indovision.co.id 1. General Information 2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. General Information INTEGRATED DIGITAL DECODER (IRD) For the first time ever in Indonesia, the new digital decoder will bring Laser Disc quality picture and Compact Disc quality sound to your favourite TV channels. Digital technology will allow you to access all the programme schedules for the entire week on screen and allow you to pre-book your favourite programmes. If you do not want your children to spend all their time watching lndovision, the new digital decoder also features a parental lock function. SPECIAL OFFER We are giving a special offer to subscribers who choose to pay by direct debit on their bank account or credit card.You will receive one month's free viewing of the channel package you have chosen as soon as your direct debit instruction is approved. So, why not save yourself the trouble of having to pay by cash and benefit from one month's free viewing! PAY AFTER INSTALLATION Once the lndovision service is activated in your home, lndovision will invoice you directly for the standard digital installation fee (excluding materials) and your first subscription payment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is INDOVISION? How many channels does Indovision sell? What is DTH? What does digital broadcast mean? What kind of equipment do I need to receive the INDOVISION channels? I already own a parabola, do I need to buy a new one? How I subscribe to INDOVISION? Does INDOVISION sell the DSD? Where do I buy the DSD? I already subscribe to INDOVISION, how do I get the new service? How do I install the DSD? How much does the DSD cost? How will the customer know how to operate the new DSD? Where is the DSD installed? I live in an apartment building, can I receive INDOVISION? Do I need to buy a new television set to receive INDOVISION? Can I use my neighbor's satellite dish to receive the INDOVISION service? What is the viewing card? Can I use my viewing card in someone DSD's? If I move to a new house, can I re-installed the DSD by myself? Will INDOVISION's channels carry commercial? Will INDOVISION's programmes be censored? What about the parental-lock functionality? What if something is wrong with reception? I already have a parabola, can I still receive other satellite channels? Is it possible to connect the DSD to a second TV set installed in a separate room? Is there any additional charge to connect the DSD to a second TV set? How can I watch different INDOVISION channels on different TV set? How do I find out about the TV schedules of INDOVISION channels? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is INDOVISION? INDOVISION is a provider of Pay Television channels. Indovision channels are broadcast in digital format by satellite directly to the home. The channels are exclusive to Indovision, they comprise both International and Indonesian channels. How many channels does Indovision sell? Currently 25, including five movie channels, 2 sports channels, 3 news channels, 2 music channels and since September 1997, all six domestic broadcast channels. What is DTH? DTH is the abbreviation for "Direct-To-home" and refers to television channels broadcast via satellite directly into the homes. What does digital broadcast mean? It means that the Indovision channels have laser disc picture quality and CD quality sound. Indovision's channels are the only digital channels in Indonesia. What kind of equipment do I need to receive the INDOVISION channels? A 9 feet Parabola (satellite dish) pointed at the Palapa C2 satellite (also carrying RCTI, SCTV and IVM). A Digital Satellite Decoder (DSD) to unscramble the signal. The DSD is also a satellite receiver. One LNB and some cable which are included in the price of a standard digital installation. I already own a parabola, do I need to buy a new one? Most probably not. The digital installation fee for the Indovision service already includes a new LNB to ensure proper reception using your existing parabola. How I subscribe to INDOVISION? Contact the nearest authorised Indovision retailer. Indovision customer service can provide all necessary information and send the details of the nearest authorised Indovision retailer. Does Indovision sell the DSD? No, Indovision sell the service, not the decoder. PACE, from the UK, is currently the only brand supplying decoders. By the end of 1997, RCA, from US, will also market decoders for the Indovision service. Where do I buy the DSD? The nearest Indovision retailer is also an authorised retailer for PACE decoders. I already subscribe to Indovision, how do I get the new service? There is a special offer available exclusively to subscriber to the Indovision analogue service. Please contact customer service to receive a migration pack if you have not received it yet or if you have misplaced it. How do I install the DSD? An authorised Indovision installer will perform the standard digital installation for Rp. 220.000+VAT. The price includes a LNB and high standard cable to ensure quality of reception. Installation is arranged by the retailer upon subscription. How much does the DSD cost? The maximum recommended price is Rp. 1.774.000 including 10% VAT. How will the customer know how to operate the new DSD? A manual is provide with the DSD. The authorised Indovision installer will show you the functions at the time of installation. Where is the DSD installed? The DSD installed in your home next to your TV set. I live in an apartment building, can I receive Indovision? Yes. There are two alternatives. First, ask your building management to subscribe to Indovision on behalf of all the tenant. Indovision has a special offer for building management. Then, your building's MATV system will distribute the channels to your apartment from the central head-end located in the building through an RF network. (RF stand for Radio Frequency) Second, ask your building management to get an IF MATV system installed (IF stand for Intermediate Frequency). Such a system will enable you to subscribe individually and directly to Indovision through an authorised retailer. You do not need a parabola but an if converter and a DSD. The cost of an IF converter approximately Rp. 400.000,-. Do I need to buy a new television set to receive INDOVISION? The customer can connect the DSD to any PAL or multi-system television set. Can I use my neighbor's satellite dish to receive the INDOVISION service? No, you cannot. What is the viewing card? It is an access card that is inserted into the DSD. It is the key that allows the DSD to unscramble the Indovision service. Indovision send authorization/de-authorization instruction to the viewing card via satellite. The viewing card can handled sophisticated transaction such as Pay Per View that will be offer by Indovision in the future. Can I use my viewing card in someone DSD's? No, You cannot. If I move to a new house, can I re-installed the DSD by myself? Yes, but in order to guarantee the quality of installation this must be carried out by an authorised Indovision retailer. Will INDOVISION's channels carry commercial? The Indovision channels carry only a few commercials. There are no commercials during movies. Will INDOVISION's programmes be censored? Yes, based on Asian censorship standards. What about the parental-lock functionality? The parental-lock functionality enables parents to prevent their children from watching certain programmes, or the Indovision service as a whole. What if something is wrong with reception? Call Indovision Customer Service hotline or contact the retailer you bought the DSD from if it is a DSD problem. The manufacturer provides a 12 months warranty on the DSD. I already have a parabola, can I still receive other satellite channels? Yes, all you need to do is split the cable coming from your parabola in two, plug one in your existing receiver, plug the other one in the DSD and connect both outputs to your TV set. Your authorized Indovision installer will perform this operation upon your request. Is it possible to connect the DSD to a second TV set installed in a separate room? Yes, but both TV sets will carry the same channel at any time, unless there is one DSD per TV set. Is there any additional charge to connect the DSD to a second TV set? Yes, because additional cable is needed to connect the second TV set. The authorized installer will advise you on the additional cost. How can I watch different Indovision channels on different TV set? You need one DSD per TV set. How do I find out about the TV schedules of Indovision channels? The Indonesian Observer and Vista TV are publishing the daily schedules. Once you are subscriber, the PACE digital satellite decoder features an electronics program guide which, at the touch of a button on the remote control, will tell you what will be shown on each channel for the next seven days.