Videotape's growing rival: pay-per-view TV

Article Abstract:

Time Warner Cable's Quantum 150-channel cable system, which includes pay-per-view services for movies, is vying for the market share that video stores now enjoy for their rentals. Cable television is working toward a new technology called digital compression, which uses computerized methods to compress three to 10 programs onto a single channel, but the technology would require replacing all existing cables to customers' homes. Pay-per-view is the current threat to video rental stores, because it can offer customers round-the-clock access to current movies. Quantum offers 17 movies on 55 channels starting every 30 minutes for $3.95 a showing. Time Warner likens the strategy to transmitting a video store into customers' homes, but video store owners counter that nothing will replace video rental because of the value of seeing a film's packaging, hearing recommendations from other customers and having a choice of more than current hits. While video retailers and rentals stores may have to adapt to the changes to compete with electronic distribution, they believe they will thrive.

Services, Market share, Product introduction, Video stores, Signal processing, Competition, Digital Signals, Marketing Strategy, New Technique, Market Penetration, Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey

---

Deciding what to watch when 500 channels await

Article Abstract:

A number of companies, such as X-Press Information Services, are scrambling to provide electronic television program guides in anticipation of the expansion of cable television channels. X-Press is collaborating with TV Guide in developing TV Guide on Screen. Another company, Sight Telecast Inc, is working with Viacom International Inc and the Tribune Company in developing a rival product. Electronic guides will serve as 'maps' to the many program offerings available on cable. A basic feature of the program services is a menu of categories of programs; a listing of movies, for example, can be summoned by a specific menu command. The electronic guides will be designed to be carried by cables systems for a fee. The market for such devices is expected to reach $1 billion.

Equipment and supplies, Product development, New Product, User Assistance

---

HBO to Give 3 New Films For Viewing On Public TV

Article Abstract:

In an effort to reach a wider audience, Home Box Office will allow the Public Broadcasting Service to air three original HBO movies, after they have completed a run on the premium cable service.

United States, Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Alliances, partnerships, Licensing/Sales Agreements, Cable television broadcasting industry, Licensing agreements, Company licensing agreement, Public Broadcasting Service, Home Box Office Inc.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Nothing like a Dane. Eating with the enemy
• Abstracts: Microsoft nails some pirates: an international Far Eastern chase catches counterfeiters. A little light on a black art
• Abstracts: A split in thinking among keepers of artificial intelligence. Incredibly small box, incredibly large memory: rays of laser light pack bits of memory into molecules
• Abstracts: A trade in criminals: Canada's policy of deporting lawbreakers helps fuel Jamaica's soaring crime rate. A desperate homecoming

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.