CABLE on the WEB - the web sites of cable television networks - Internet/Web/Online Service Information - Directory

Matt Stump

Friend Or Foe?

Why operators should care about industry Web sites

The Internet is affording American workers/consumers unparalleled access to information and entertainment.

As this Cyberguide shows, there is plenty of activity in the broadband/cable arena and plenty of reasons for cable operators to check out what cable programmers and vendors are doing on their Web sites.

As the industry enters the new millennium, many cable programming Web sites are already on their 2.0 or 3.0 releases. These Web sites can provide operators valuable insights into the online arena.

In half a day's time, operators can get fully briefed on the programming that's about to appear on most major networks. Lost the preview tape? Just turn to the network's Web site.

Getting a feel for a program service is especially important for newer networks that may have little distribution. Noggin, American Pop and Oxygen all had fairly developed Web sites in advance of their on-air launches.

This TV preview through the Web is becoming increasingly critical for new networks. It allows both consumers and operators to get a feel for new networks about to launch. It also allows programmers to prime the consumer pump to generate interest in their new networks.

MTV, Discovery, Turner and others have built separate affiliate-only Web sites, chock full of marketing, advertising and promotional information. Operators should use these to the fullest extent possible, which includes providing Web access for affected employees. It's the cable industry's mechanism to make the transfer of information more efficient, saving both operators and programmers time and expense.

The same analogy holds on the vendor side. Most traditional hardware and software vendors have established Web sites sporting information for buyers. Access to such information gets more important for operators as they enter new video, voice and data fields.

The number of vendors offering products and services to cable is expanding rapidly, as operators look at IP telephony, cable modem and interactive TV applications. Companies supplying critical software and technology for new applications dot the Net, allowing operators to get a quick read on practically any company that comes calling.

Need to know the major players that can facilitate videostreaming? It's a click away on the Internet.

There are plenty of reasons why cable operators should spend half a day each week cruising the Web just for their own R&D efforts. But there are other even more critical reasons for cable operators to scan the Web.

It is where the eyeballs of tomorrow are headed.

Accessing music over the Internet took off in 1999. The same will be true for video over the next five years as bandwidth expands and product is developed.

Many top-flight cable networks already showcase video on their Web sites today. The several minutes of daily video that now exist will grow to hours and hours in a few years. Consumers will have the same point and click access to CNN or ESPN content as any line editor in the studio of either network.

Music video, movie shorts, news clips and sports highlights will comprise the Web's first video wave, and much of that content will be offered by cable networks.

The ability to see that content will be augmented by broadband pipes, which cable operators possess. Broadband video over the Internet will be so integrated into a cable operator's future world, there won't be sharp distinctions between TV video and PC video.

In many homes, different forms of video will be consumed using the broadband pipe at different locations.

I may be working on the computer late at night, missed the SportsCenter highlights, and log on to espn.com to find the home run or touchdown catch I missed on the 9 p.m. SportsCenter.

Conversely, I may be watching TV, find myself with a half-hour down time before a 9 p.m. movie comes on, and spend that time on the couch accessing Web sites for movie trailers.

Accessing Web sites will become a seamless part of consumer behavior, just as seamless as running up and down today's cable dial.

The Internet will become a vast storehouse for video. Operators-know that Internet video could create a viewing threat to their existing television business.

The trick for operators is to mitigate the threat by, thoroughly understanding this new medium and looking at possible ways to embrace the change that's about to come.

And there's no better place to prepare for those future competitive challenges by understanding now the dynamics of the Internet marketplace.

And when operators look at these sites from familiar names, they shouldn't get stuck on what they see today, but rather on what will tomorrow bring.

www.AandE.com

A&E Television Networks Interactive

Escape the Ordinary Online at AandE.com, the ultimate fan site for A&E's original movies, award winning programs and up-to-the-minute TV listings.

Check out Biography.com's search of over 25,000 life stories from movie stars to military heroes.

Get Clued In at Mysteries.com with the ultimate resource on mystery writers, characters, novels and films.

For the Best Search in History go to HistoryChannel.com and search any topic in history by the world's leading historians.

TV and the Internet converge at HistoryInternational.com, a fully-synchronized companion to the digital network, History Channel International.

www.amcnetworks.com

AMC Networks - Affiliate

We want to know what our affiliates think! That's why we created amcnetworks.com the online communication and information resource. With a click of the mouse, instantly give us your feedback about the latest American Movie Classics, Romance Classics and AMC's American POP! affiliate promotions, or e-mail your regional representative directly. And don't forget to check out the downloadable materials, up to the minute campaign information, local events, programming, press releases and much more.

www.amctv.com

American Movie Classics

American Movie Classics' website is the place to explore information about the timeless and contemporary Hollywood Classics. The website's design allows visitors to move effortlessly throughout the site to enjoy a multitude of dynamic features including:

* Up-to-the-minute programming schedules

* Behind-the-scenes insights

* Star profiles & celebrity interviews

* Interactive games and trivia

* Visitors can write their own movie reviews with "Reel Views"

* Viewers can be reminded of upcoming films with "Remind Me" email

* Visitors can have monthly programming schedules emailed

www.ampop.com

AMC - American Pop

AMC's American POP! is an entertainment network that reminds us of the memorable times in our past by using offbeat movies, rediscovered concerts and music, retro TV shows and all the fun from the 40's through the 80's. It is a network devoted to American pop culture. American POP! Refreshment for your memories.

www.BET.com

BET.com

BET.com is a fresh, new web portal, specifically designed to reflect the interests of the existing and emerging African American online community. It will be the daily check-in site for African American audiences who are seeking rich content, relevant, interactive communities and communication features in one compelling destination. The loyal BET audience can click on the @BET channel to get the latest highlights and programming information for BET, BET On Jazz and BET Action Pay Per View. In addition, BET.com features eight other essential content channels including, News & Sports, Health, Money, Careers, Music, Food, Loveline, and Lifestyles.

www.discoveryaffiliate.com

Discovery Networks (iPAK)

Discovery Networks invites you to visit iPAK, our web site dedicated to the marketing, local ad sales and public relations needs of our affiliates. Gain immediate and up-to-date access to the latest ad slicks, cross channels, promotions, logos, premiums, programming highlights, local ad sales resources and much more. It is 24-hour, at your fingertip service designed to help drive your business forward. Log onto discoveryaffiliate.com today.

www.CNBC.com

CNBC

CNBC.com Powerful market insight put to work for you

CNBC.com puts all of the first news, analysis and market insight of CNBC right into your hands. Register and sign up for your own personalized ticker, and get special news and even e-mail alerts about stocks that matter to you. Whether it's the CEO of a company you're watching closely or a rise in the price of their shares, CNBC.com will beep you or email you so that you always have the most indispensable intelligence -- anytime, anywhere.

CNBC.com Profit From It

www.foxfamilychannel.com

Fox Family Channel

Built using Flash technology, the Fox Family Channel web site offers a virtual tour of the network and includes:

* Shockwave games based on Fox Family Channel shows.

* Highlights of Fox Family Channel movies, specials and hit series like "S Club 7 in Miami," "Higher Ground," and "Angela Anaconda."

* The Fox Family Countdown, where visitors can make video and song dedications.

* Watch for our newly redesigned affiliate web site, www.foxfamilychannel.com/affiliates, coming in May 2000, with new enhancements such as downloadable Cable in the Classroom study guides.

* Check out the boyzChannel and girlzChannel web sites, the ultimate destinations by, for and about boys and girls, at www.bchannel.com and www.gchannel.com.

www.i-channel.com

International Channel Networks

International Channel Networks, the premier provider of multicultural programming has recently redesigned its website to offer features that appeal to the growing ethnic groups in the United States, as well as those interested in world affairs, culture and geography. The newest feature for users is free e-mail in five languages. The site also includes an interactive geography quiz, as well as programming information and schedules for the more than 20 languages represented on the basic service International Channel. The website has also won educational awards for its on-line historical tours of the Ellis and Angel Island immigration stations.

www.Noggin.com

Noggin

Noggin.com is designed to delight, engage and entertain kids while deepening their learning as only interactive experiences can. With two distinct, age-appropriate areas designed for preschool and school-aged children, Noggin online challenges kids to think differently, exercise creativity, use language in engaging ways and lend a hand in building their very own TV network and online site. Whether kids are playing, thinking, speaking, dreaming or inventing, Noggin online provides both school-aged and preschool children with countless opportunities to participate in the Noggin community.

www.MSNBC.com

MSNBC

MSNBC.com is the top brand for Internet news and rated the number one news site by Media Metrix[TM], the industry standard in Internet ratings. As the leader in breaking news and original journalism, MSNBC.com also delivers the best of NBC News, MSNBC Cable, CNBC and NBC Sports.

MSNBC is the originator of television and Internet convergence delivering the global news resources of NBC News coupled with the leading technology of Microsoft.

MSNBC.com also provides compelling content to the broadband audience in several ways, using the resources of NBC News and MSNBC Cable, at video.msnbc.com.

SHO.com

Showtime Networks Inc.

Log on to SHO.com for cutting-edge, interactive sci-fi, animation and boxing programming. Plus watch original online series like WhirlGirl ... the super cyber-vixen with a unique sense of style and a killer left hook.

SHO.com also gives you:

* Stargate SG-1[TM] and other Sci-Friday websites

* Interactive webcasts of premiere boxing events plus round by round, online scoring and chats with boxing greats

* Behind the scenes features

* Program schedules and e-mail reminders

www.antronixsales.com

Antronix

Once Again, Antronix[R] Connects The World Of Communications. www.antronixsales.com

It has been our goal since our inception that as the world's leading manufacturer of Multitaps, Main Line Passives, Electronics and Subscriber Passives, we find new ways to make these state- of-the-art products available to you.

We hold many patents and always strive to be on the cutting edge of technology as proven with the CamPort[R] Auto-Seizing "F" port. Solid and reliable, it's the ultimate connector solution for all your multimedia applications for today and the future.

So take a look at our new website and see why developing standards like we did with CamPort makes it worth taking a look at Antronix.

It just may be the most important connection you'll make. Or call us at 732-446-2626

www.capitalnetworks.com

Capital Networks

Capital Networks is North America's leading supplier of multimedia systems to Cable, Broadcast, and place-based advertising companies. The product line includes TV Listings systems, Local News, PPV Barkers and Cable-based advertising channels, all with companion web sites.

All systems are broadcast quality, Windows NT, with integrated MPEG 2 digital video. The platform is powered by DiGiMATiON and includes Inscriber/RTX.

Other applications include: local access channels, sports venues, colleges and universities, industrial, hospitality, banks and elevators.

The company operates an advanced technical services department as well as production, training and creative services.

Check out www.capitalnetworks.com

www.basystems.com

Broadband Access Systems, Inc.

Broadband Access Systems, Inc. (BAS) has developed the Cuda[TM] product family, a new generation of highly integrated, carrier-class cable access solutions that will enable cable operators to deliver high-speed data, voice, and video services to very high numbers of subscribers. The Cuda solution integrates a DOCSIS CMTS, high performance switching and routing, service provisioning, network management, return path monitoring, and IP Telephony functionality into a single platform. BAS' solution will also enable cable operators to dramatically increase service revenues, enable operational cost reductions and maximize customer satisfaction.

www.com21.com

Com 21

Com21, Inc. is a leading global provider of system solutions for the broadband access market. The Company's Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based products enable cable operators and service providers with the abilities to deliver high-speed, cost-effective Internet and telephony applications to corporate telecommuters, small businesses, home offices and residential end-users.

Com21 was ranked No. 1 in Europe in 1998 by Ryan Hankin Kent. It was named the third largest supplier of cable modem technology, worldwide based on independent market research studies conducted in 1998 by: Gartner Group/Dataquest (1H'98), The Dell'Oro Group, and Cahners In-Stat Research Group.

www.com21.com 408-953-9100

www.ccur.com

Concurrent Computer

For over 30 years, Concurrent has provided high-performance computer systems for time-critical applications around the world. Concurrent's XSTREME Division is a leader in the emerging Video-On-Demand marketplace. Concurrent's MediaHawk Video Server is a high-performance digital video server optimized for true interactive VOD applications. Concurrent satisfies the technical, operational, and business requirements of system operators with completely integrated end-to-end VOD solutions. Concurrent's multi-platform systems feature compatibility with both Scientific-Atlanta and General Instruments' platforms. In addition to partnering with leading technology vendors, Concurrent has been selected for VOD trials by Time Warner and Comcast, and is the supplier of the industry's first system-wide commercially deployed VOD system.

www.convergys.com

Convergys

Convergys is the global leader in providing comprehensive, integrated, customer care and billing services, bringing together world-class resources and expertise to help clients transform customer relationships into a competitive advantage. Convergys provides full-service billing and customer management solutions to top companies in a variety of dynamic industries including cable, cable-telephony, DBS, DTH, DTT, and MMDS. Convergys' unsurpassed billing expertise and value-added customer support offer multi-service operators a significant improvement in competitiveness and revenue-building. Convergys has over 41,000 customer care and billing experts worldwide who produce over 1.3 million bills a day and handle over 1.2 million customer contacts a day.

www.gocontec.com

Contec

Contec is an authorized Warranty Repair Service Center for General Instrument, and Scientific Atlanta. With five locations nationwide, we can provide fast turn time on all types and brands of converters, including many of the newest digital models.

We also have a complete line of quality remote controls, with over 45 different models, including our newest digital line, the CheckMate[TM] series. Contec sells electronic and cosmetic converter parts, new and refurbished converters, and does headend and line gear repair. Several of our facilities are also equipped to perform electronic reconfiguration projects on any type of equipment.

www.dccusa.com

Dialogic Communications Corporation

Dialogic Communications Corporation (DCC) is a pioneer and a leading provider of ARU/IVR systems to cable, wireless and DBS companies around the world. Call centers of every size, including 25 of America's top 100 MSOs, rely on DCC's automated customer service software. With ARU3 Next Generation IVR[TM], simply pick which applications are best for your site and add more as your organization expands. Inbound and outbound modules include Account Balance Inquiry, Pay Per View, Voice Messaging, Appointment Reminder and multiple technician functions.

To learn more, contact a DCC representative by phone (800.723.3207) or via email (aru3@dccusa.com) today!

www.odetics.com/broadcast/

Odetics

Odetics is a leading provider of world-class content management software and services. It has a long history of innovations that are currently used by many broadcasters as de facto industry standard. From its Emmy-award winning Roswell to its wide ranging automation solutions, Odetics enables reliable on-air presentation and complete facility automation management, while reducing administration costs. The Company's commitment to quality and service are enjoyed by over 500 satisfied customers around the world.

Founded in 1983, Odetics is headquartered in Anaheim, CA, with international operations in Asia, Europe and Latin America. For more information, visit the Odetics Web site at www.odetics.com/broadcast/.

www.proxima.ca

Proxima Systems Ltd.

Proxima Systems Ltd. provides advanced Customer Management and Billing software solutions that better enable telecommunications operators to offer multiple products and services to consumers and businesses globally. Proxima today develops and markets Mystral[TM] - a truly integrated Customer Management and Billing software solution specifically designed for the rapidly converging cable, telephony and Internet markets. The Mystral system features a highly flexible, customer-centric architecture that can be easily adapted to the current and future business processes of telecommunications service providers. Mystral provides a true competitive edge that will help maximize customer' satisfaction, acquisition and retention.

www.peach-networks.com

Peach Networks

Peach Networks provides cutting-edge, cost-effective interactive television technology. Either as a standalone or in conjunction with other interactive TV applications, the Access Channel system delivers a whole new source of high-revenue generating programming content to Cable Television operators: market-proven Windows based applications and the complete Internet through any unmodified digital set-top box and standard television set. Using Peach's unique, patent-pending headend-based technology, cable system operators can offer customized local content to subscribers. In addition, Peach's picture-in-picture technology enables subscribers to utilize a wide range of multimedia functions while simultaneously viewing broadcast and cable video signals.

www.syntellect.com

Syntellect

Syntellect Interactive Services, a leader in pay-per-view order processing and hosted services, offers a full range of high volume automated services to the broadcast industry. We help the entertainment provider interact more dynamically with their customers by providing a comprehensive range of products and e-Services via the telephone and the Internet for automated ordering; proactive product branding; e-commerce processing; and enhancement of customer care centers. Visit our website to learn more about automated processing for:

* sis DialExpress[TM] Outbound Calls

* Pay-Per-View Ordering

* Credit Card Ordering

* Catalog Ordering

* On-line Cyberstats[TM] Reports

* Surveys

* Outage Notification

* Voice Promotions on Hold

* Web and Websound Design

* Sweepstakes

* Frequent Buyer Programs

www.tellabs.com

Tellabs

With nearly 7,000 employees in nearly 60 locations worldwide, Tellabs is a global solutions provider that designs, manufactures, markets and services data, voice and video transport, switching/ routing and network access systems that are used worldwide by the providers of communications services.

Tellabs is committed to helping its customers, which range from cable operators and wireless service providers to local and long-distance carriers and alternate service providers, build and migrate to the new public network. To lead the evolution to a next-generation, multiservice network that integrates data, voice and video, Tellabs focuses on transport, switching/routing, network access and service-quality enhancement solutions.

www.ctam.com

CTAM

Serving over 5000 members, www.ctam.com is the Web's largest and most complete source for the information smart cable and telecommunications marketers and managers need to succeed in today's dynamic marketplace. The CTAM Web site provides users a wide variety of online resources, including up-to-date consumer research, the CTAM Job Bank, a complete online Member Directory, a Virtual Library of publications, online information and registration for CTAM conferences, and much more. Loads of exclusive CTAM member benefits are just a mouse click away.

www.uselectronics.com

US Electronics

US Electronics is one of the world's leading suppliers of innovative, easy-to-use remote controls and other hand-held wireless input devices for a broad range of home audio/video equipment and web-based applications.

US Electronics also sells or licenses its proprietary technologies and software programming and development services to other industry companies and consumer electronics manufacturers.

New convergence products include: wireless keyboards, wireless game pads, and combination remote control/keyboarddevices. New features include: wireless upgradeability, auto code programming, `macro' keys, backlighting, cost-effective branding options, VOD, DVD, PIP and interactive digital capability.

Check out our website for:

* Product Information

* Technical Support

* News and Announcements.

www.zap2it.com/customsites

Zap2it-Custom Sites

Zap2it brings you Custom TV Websites. Our websites let your subscribers zap to accurate TV listings, a searchable movie database and local system information -- all under your brand. When your subscribers go online it's your site that delivers celebrity news, exclusive interviews and lively games. Plug in our Zap2it on-line program guide for searchable television programs by category and system-specific TV listings in an easy-to-use grid format. We can also create a full-service website dedicated to your programming and service offerings with your brand leading the way. You get a custom website and we do all the work.

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