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Satellite News NA v 1.10a
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From: Satellite Journal <71165.2032@compuserve.com>
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Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 20:45:59 -0500
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From owner-sat-na@tags1.dn.net Sun Nov 17 20: 48:06 1996
Satellite News
from America
V1.10 November 1996
This news is co-sponsored by TELE-satellit and Satellite Journal Itl.
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World News .......
Spar Aerospace
Spar Aerospace Limited plans to submit a proposal to
Industry Canada to build, launch and operate a cost-
effective direct broadcast satellite (DBS) in a Canadian DBS
orbital slot. The company, Borealis Space Corp., expects to
have DBS transponder capacity in orbit within 21 months of
receiving approval from Industry Canada to proceed. In its
business plan, Borealis states it expects to begin
wholesaling DBS transponder capacity in 1998.
The Borealis plan calls for the launch of satellites
tailored to Canadian market needs, and takes advantage of an
innovative light" satellite design, developed by Spar
Aerospace, and its strategic technology partner, CTA Inc. of
Rockville, MD. The design calls for a 10-transponder
satellite, which would be considerably smaller and less
expensive than the conventional 32-transponder satellites
used to provide DBS services in the US. Borealis' plan also
calls for deploying transponders with the capability to
support satellite-based broadband multimedia service such as
high speed access to the Internet.
Canada is a market with a smaller potential subscriber
base than the United States," said Colin D. Watson,
President and CEO of Spar Aerospace. It makes no sense to be
looking at a huge, $300 million, 32-transponder satellite as
the best solution for the Canadian market. The Borealis
solution calls for smaller, less expensive light" satellites
that can be built and launched quickly and economically. As
these satellites are smaller, they can be launched as a
secondary payload on larger launch vehicles, saving the time
and cost associated with waiting for a dedicated launch.
This plan also eliminates the need for the Canadian
government to negotiate broadcast reciprocity with the
United States, a process which so far has left Canada
without a DBS solution. The Borealis proposal is a clean,
simple and economical solution to the unique Canadian DBS
service challenge."
With its first proposed satellite, Borealis could
provide up to 70 television channels. Given near term
projections for DBS market penetration, a 70-channel service
has very attractive economics," said Watson. Once the
Canadian DBS market reaches higher levels of penetration, it
will be able to bear the costs associated with 20
transponders, or 140 channels of DBS capacity. This
additional demand for DBS transponder capacity will be met
by a second Borealis satellite, currently scheduled to come
into service in 1999."
Borealis is aggressively pursuing interim leasing
arrangements for transponder capacity that would meet
Canadian market needs until its first satellite goes into
service.
The Borealis solution would allow Canadian consumers to
use industry standard 18" subscriber terminals. Alternate
proposals by members of Canadian industry have required
larger, non-standard subscriber terminals, which would be
more expensive and awkward for Canadian consumers.
Sky Entertainment Services Launches In Brazil
Sky Entertainment Services has officially launched its
satellite-delivered (DTH) television service in Brazil.
NET, the operating organisation for Sky's Brazilian service,
is jointly owned by Organizacoes Globo, The News
Corporation, Ltd., and Tele-Communications International,
Inc.
Sky will shortly offer 40 channels and will expand up
to 140 channels in 1997. Multishow, GNT, SporTV, GloboNews,
Canal Fox, Fox Sports Americas and Fox Kids will be
exclusive to Sky for DTH distribution. Other channels at
launch include: Telecine, Telecine 2, CNN, Cartoon Network,
TNT, ESPN International, USA, Teleuno, CBS/Telenoticias,
Travel Channel, TV Eco, Telehits, TVE, TV Senado, TV
Sweepstake, Shoptime, RAI, TV Cultura, Discovery Channel,
Canal Rural, NHK, RTPI, Bloomberg, CNT and Deutsche Welle.
Most Brazilians will be able to receive the satellite
signal through a 60cm dish antenna, decoder box and remote
control. They will be available to the public for a
suggested retail price of R$995 (US$925), with an average
monthly subscription price of R$40 (US$37) for the basic
service. The equipment can be purchased at hundreds of
retail outlets throughout Brazil.
Sky has made an initial purchase of 100,000 set-top
integrated receiver decoders (IRDs) from Pace Micro
Technology plc, the UK-based electronics giant. In addition,
NET has entered into a transponder agreement with PanAmSat
Corporation. The new service in Brazil will utilise four
transponders on the PAS-3 satellite initially. In the
longer term, the PAS-6 satellite, scheduled for launch by
the end of 1996, will devote 12 transponders for Brazilian
subscribers. NET has used News Digital Systems (NDS) to
design and implement an integrated VideoGuard smartcard-
based conditional access system and MPEG-2 DVB broadcast and
compression systems.
Manila Online with NSN InSAT
NSN Network Services of Avon, Colorado, has
commissioned another international InSAT satellite Internet
system. The system is operated by MetroNet of Manila,
capital of the Philippines.
The MetroNet system consists of NSN's VEGA RISC /SPARC
Internet Servers, NSN's POPbox integrated modem bank and
terminal server system, NSN's VEGA Internet Accounting
System, and a redundant 20 watt C Band VSAT earth station.
MetroNet's customers are linked to NSN's global
Internet backbone via PanAmSat PAS-2 satellite through NSN's
Richmond, California gateway earth station partner, Spectrum
Satellite.
PanAmSat completes BBC network
BBC Worldwide Television has completed its global
distribution network over multiple PanAmSat satellites with
the addition of Latin America coverage on the PAS-3 Atlantic
Ocean Region satellite. BBC World's digital video service
transmits directly from London for distribution throughout
Latin America, which offers a potential audience of roughly
12 million cable and MMDS households.
BBC World is already transmitted over the PAS-4 Indian
Ocean Region satellite for reception in south Asia and over
the PAS-2 Pacific Ocean Region satellite to viewers
throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. The Latin America
service is uplinked in Ku-band from London to the PAS-3
Atlantic Ocean Region satellite, which then transmits the
channel over the PAS-3 C-band Pan American beam.
Scientific-Atlanta's New Cable Modem
As part of its ongoing development of cable
modems, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. has introduced its
dataXcellerator modem system.
Expected to be priced at $259, and to be available as
low as $199 with volume purchases, the new system is
intended to provide a cost-effective way for cable operators
to deliver high-speed data services over their existing
broadband networks. The new product is scheduled to be
ready for commercial deliveries in the first quarter of
calendar year 1997.
Other planned benefits of the new modem system include:
ú Operates over one-way plant using the public telephone
network for the reverse path.
ú Provides throughput of 1.2 megabits per second, or
about 40 times faster than today's fastest telephone modem
and about 10 times faster than ISDN (Integrated Services
Digital Network) services for rapid data access.
ú Provides status monitoring and remote network
management through the company's Melbourne, Fla., operations
centre. "Help desk" and other optional support services are
aimed at reducing operators staffing requirements.
ú Can utilise one-half of 6 MHz video channel.
ú Includes a built-in analogue 28.8 kbps telephone modem
in externally installed cable modem; this will eliminate
compatibility problems with subscribers' PCs and provide
sufficient upstream capability for most at-home
applications.
ú Requires no immediate investment in the transmission or
distribution components of the cable plant.
ú Requires no expensive ATM equipment in the headend.
The dataXcellerator cable modem will be the first in
Scientific-Atlanta's planned line of modem products. Market
demand and upcoming standards will shape future Scientific-
Atlanta cable modems. As operators migrate to two-way high-
speed data services, dataXcellerator modems and two-way RF
modems will be designed to operate on the same network, each
providing different tiers of services.
International Channel Now Free of License Fees
The International Channel is eliminating its subscriber
fees for America's universities and colleges. Over 100
institutions of higher education across the country already
subscribe to International Channel, but pay thousands of
dollars for the service. IC is now offering the channel to
universities and colleges for a $100 annual administration
fee.
International Channel's programming includes news, sports
and entertainment programming in 29 Asian, European and
Middle Eastern languages and is used by educators for
foreign language and world affairs studies. Several campuses
also provide IC in their dormitories as a resource for
international students to keep in touch with their
homelands. IC is already available without license fees to
kindergarten through high schools
Locomotion Network Launched
Locomotion, a 24-hour all-animation channel for Latin
America and the Caribbean, is available to all subscribers
to DirecTv throughout 23 countries, in Spanish, Portuguese
and English.
Locomotion, Latin America's only animation channel that
targets both adults and children through a fast paced,
irreverent and international mix of programming, has already
acquired some of the premiere action titles for its line-up.
In the first of a planned series of program acquisitions,
Locomotion will add to its roster 185 episodes of "Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles"_the decade's most popular animated
series worldwide. The "Turtles" transaction, with Momentum
Distribution, Inc., will give Locomotion exclusive satellite
and cable carriage of that series throughout the region.
Other shows acquired for Locomotion include action
series "He-Man," "She- Ra" and "Highlander," a new program
based on the live-action feature films and television
series; as well as the camp classic "Felix the Cat"; and
Japan's "Lupin." The announcements were made today by
Carlos E. Cisneros, managing director, Cisneros Television
Group, a division of the Cisneros Group of Companies, and
Bruce L. Paisner, president of Hearst Entertainment, a
subsidiary of The Hearst Corporation.
Locomotion will also offer programs from Hearst
Entertainment's extensive library of animated series, which
feature such action characters as Flash Gordon, The Phantom,
Prince Valiant, Defenders of the Earth and Galaxy Rangers.
They join Hearst's classic animated favourites Popeye, Betty
Boop, Beetle Bailey, Krazy Kat and Mandrake the Magician.
North America .......
Cycle Sat, Inc. and Forbes Satellite Services
Forbes Satellite Services of Toronto, Canada under
agreement with Cycle Sat, Inc., has initiated the first
satellite network for distribution of television commercials
in Canada. Forbes signed an agreement with Cycle Sat, Inc.
for the exclusive rights to use Cycle Sat's patented
Cyclecypher system and currently has over half of the
English language Canadian television stations on line to
receive satellite delivered commercials.
"We are beginning our service with the English stations
since they account for the larger portion of Canada's 85
national television stations," comments George Forbes,
president, Forbes Satellite Services. "We plan on mirroring
the successful service provided by Cycle Sat for U.S.
advertisers. We will be able to significantly extend the
deadlines currently in place for receipt of masters for
Canadian distribution. In fact, many of our clients have
already transitioned to our satellite distribution service,"
he added.
Design and construction of the new Forbes Broadcast
Operations centre was completed this past spring through the
combined efforts of the respective Cycle Sat and Forbes
Broadcast operations staffs. The new facility is dedicated
specifically to commercial playback and satellite
transmission for the distribution of commercials in Canada.
The feeds will be transmitted nightly on Ku-band via Telesat
Canada's Anik satellite system.
Cox Communications to Launch Your Choice TV
Cox Communications, Inc. and Your Choice TV, Inc.,
announced a commercial carriage agreement for the
distribution of Your Choice TV across Cox's digital systems.
Your Choice TV will provide up to seven channels of popular
current programming. After YCTV launches during first
quarter 1997, Cox will be among the first companies to
deliver time-shift TV to consumers.
Your Choice TV is a national, satellite-delivered,
digital television service that gives consumers a second
chance to watch some of American's most popular TV shows on
the customer's schedule ... shortly after the show's
original airing. YCTV's "Time Shift" programming line-up
spans numerous categories including comedy, drama, news
magazines, soaps, documentaries, sports specials, made-for-
TV movies, children's programming and family fare. Your
Choice TV's programming is provided by major broadcast,
cable and independent suppliers including ABC, Inc., HBO,
PBS, BBC, Discovery Networks and others.
Primestar Launch High-Powered DBS1
Primestar will move forward with plans to launch a high-
powered direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service at 119
degrees. The announcement comes on the heels of the Federal
Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to reject Tele-
Communications, Inc.'s (TCI) requested approval of an earth
station license for a U.S. DBS service using Canadian
orbital slots.
"We are disappointed that the U.S. and Canadian trade
agencies were unable to reach an agreement regarding the
TEMPO/Telesat transaction," said Primestar Partners'
Chairman and CEO James L. Gray. "However, this will not
delay our plans to launch an alternate high-powered service
next year. We are currently preparing one of our two Loral
satellites to launch from Cape Canaveral in February."
The satellite will launch into a slot at 119 degrees,
where 11 transponders are licensed to TCI-owned TEMPO. The
11 transponders at 119 degrees will allow Primestar to
initially launch a 70 to 80 channel high- powered service
delivered via a 13.8-inch dish in 1997. With the expected
rapid advancements in compression technology, Primestar
ultimately intends to expand this service to
more than 150 channels.
General Instrument and Rogers
General Instrument Corporation has successfully
completed extensive field tests of its 256 QAM transmission
system with Rogers Cablesystems Limited, Canada's largest
cable operator. 256 QAM transmission provides more
efficient use of bandwidth, which expands cable operators
channel capacity by 44%. This enables them to carry two
HDTV channels in a 6 MHz space instead of just one, and
makes possible expanded modem, telephony and business data
services. 256 QAM transmission also makes better use of
current and planned Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) plants which are
designed for analogue video performance.
The field testing was performed at 21 locations served
by five different Rogers headend sites located in Toronto,
Newmarket, St. Thomas and Woodstock in Ontario, Canada.
Field tests were conducted using GI's 256 QAM modulator, 256
(ITU-831) FEC, TDM fiber link, C6M RF upconverter and new
64/256 QAM DEMOD. Systems tested consisted of fiber optic
link up to 55 km in length and cascades of up to 38
amplifiers. Tests during 15 minute gating periods at all
locations resulted in error free performance. Overnight
tests averaged 99.9% error free performance with worst case
performance of 99.6%.
In order to help ease the migration from 64 to 256 QAM,
GI's digital product systems will offer dual 64/256 QAM
functionality. This will enable operators to deploy 64 QAM-
based product today, dual 64/256 products in 1997, and
convert to full use of 256 QAM products as the market
demands greater bandwidth in the future.
A Digital TV Scorecard
Europe Now:
--Telepiu in Italy since November
--Canal Plus and AB Productions in France since April
--Leo Kirch's DF-1
Europe Planned:
--A Canal Plus and Dutch-based Nethold service
--Scandinavia's Kinnevik
--TPS in France plans a "free" digital satellite service at
the end of the year.
--Pro Sieben in Germany plans to start digital pay
television soon.
--Italy, Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset plans a service.
--Radio Television Espanola, Spain may launch eight digital
channels in 1997.
--Both the BBC and ITV are planning terrestrial digital
television.
US Now and planned:
DirecTv and USSB
EchoStar
AlphaStar
PrimeStar
ASkyB and others.
Projects are either in operation or on the drawing board in
South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong and in several Latin American
countries.
EchoStar announces first wave of new programming
EchoStar announced additions to their service starting
this month.
A new programming package, America's Top 50, will
include BET (Black Entertainment Television), C-Span 2,
Animal Planet, ESPNEWS, Game Show Channel, NET (National
Empowerment Television), WSBK (UPN-Boston). This package
will also include all of America's Top 40 and DISH CD while
the price will remain $24.99 a month.
The Fox Sports Network (formerly Liberty Satellite
Sports) will bring DISH Network customers in-region games
from NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball along with top
conferences such as the Big 12 Conference, the PAC-10
Conference, and Conference USA.
The regional sports line-up is: Fox Sports Southwest,
Fox Sports West, Fox Sports Pittsburgh, Fox Sports Midwest,
Fox Sports Rocky Mountain, Fox Sports Northwest, MSG,
Sunshine, PASS, HTS, SportSouth, NESN, Empire Sports Network
and Midwest Sports Channel. An out-of-market sports package
is expected to be available at a later date.
DISH Network is also expanding its Premium Service
offerings with two new services: Sundance Channel and FLIX.
Sundance Channel, under the creative direction of Robert
Redford, premieres the best in new independent films_uncut
and commercial free, 24-hours a day. FLIX offers favourite
movies and stars from the 60s, 70s and 80s, also uncut and
commercial free. In addition, DISH Network will present an
eight channel MultiChannel HBO/Cinemax package for $15
monthly and a fifteen channel Premium Value Pack for $25
monthly.
The Premium Value Pack includes MultiChannel Cinemax (3
channels), MultiChannel HBO (5 channels) and Multichannel
Showtime, Multichannel TMC, FLIX and Sundance (7 channels).
DISH-On-Demand, DISH Network's Pay-Per-View service is
expanding to ten channels of movies, sports, concerts and
other special events.
(See below for channel assignments)
Single Chip Makes Set-Top Boxes Smart
A new computer chip from Texas Instruments (TI) may
allow the set-top box atop a television to become much, much
more than just a channel changer. In fact, by using TI's
latest TMS320 digital signal processor (DSP) chip, "smart"
set-top boxes may offer Internet Web- browsing, the ability
to display multiple information windows on the TV screen,
new services such as home-shopping, and provide improved
program guides to the hundreds of available channels.
The TI DSP provides more power in a single chip than is
available today in systems using up to seven chips. This
power and performance increase makes it possible for set-top
box manufacturers to incorporate a wide range of functions
that will allow televisions to become more interactive and
useful as communications tools. For example, using this new
DSP, manufacturers will now be able to divide the screen
into multiple viewing areas so consumers can track news via
the Internet and check their programming guides while
watching a feature movie or sporting event.
The TI DSP provides three key benefits to set-top
manufacturers: lower cost, more power and computer-like
graphics. Computer-like graphics capability is important
for World Wide Web-browsing and improving the on- screen
guide to the television programming.
Delivering more than just better quality pictures
requires a set-top box that can perform computing functions
on its own rather than simply changing channels. Initial
implementations of these full-featured boxes used expensive
workstations. Subsequent "smart" set-tops, which would
integrate expensive computer microprocessors, have been
proposed. TI's DSP is the first chip to provide the
performance necessary to create a "smart" set-top at a price
the consumer can afford.
DSPs are high-speed, math-intensive, programmable
integrated circuits, or chips, that are revolutionising
electronics in the `90s, much as the microprocessor did
computers in the `80s. DSPs can add and multiply tens of
millions of complex formulas per second. Digital signal
processing is the technology at the heart of the digital
revolution and is found in such products and applications as
digital cellular phones, hard disk drives, modems and
personal computer multimedia. Texas Instruments is the
world's leading provider of digital signal processing
solutions, with a 44 percent market share in DSP, according
to industry analyst Will Strauss of the leading market
research firm Forward Concepts.
General Instrument
General Instrument Corporation reported sales for the
third quarter ended September 30, 1996 of $662 million, an
increase of 18% from the third quarter of 1995. The growth
was partially offset by the weakness in the consumer
satellite business as a result of continued 1996 softness in
demand for VideoCipher analogue satellite modules and
receivers for C-band consumers and recent lower orders from
Primestar Partners for digital satellite receivers. Fourth
quarter orders and shipments for consumer satellite products
are expected to be below prior year levels.
WPIX New York First in the Country
In an effort to expand live in-the-field news
reporting, WPIX has purchased the first Sony DSM-T1/R1
Digital Satellite Modulator/Demodulator.
In addition to the DSM-T1/R1 purchase, WPIX will
implement a Sony DNW-A100 High Speed Hybrid Recorder and a
Sony DNE-50 Portable Editor into their new SNG truck. The
Hybrid Recorder is the world's first video storage device to
incorporate a Betacam SX VTR and a hard drive. The high
speed DNW-A100 integrates linear and non-linear recording
strengths into a single unit.
Sony's digital satellite link, consisting of the DSM-T1
encoder and DSM-R1 decoder, allows two high quality video
channels to be transmitted over a single satellite
transponder_or one video channel to broadcast at double
speed. The DSM-T1, to be installed in the new WPIX SNG
unit, consists of two MPEG-2 encoders, a multiplexer, and
QPSK modulator_all in a compact one-rack-unit package.
EchoStar Communications offers satellite
EchoStar Communications said it is interested in
providing digital satellite programming services to
independent Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service
(MMDS) operators and small cable operators. To that end,
operators will be able to receive and rebroadcast
programming from the company's EchoStar I and the recently
launched EchoStar II satellites via digital turnaround
technology.
The digital turnaround scenario consists of digitally
compressing programming from video information providers,
uplinking to the EchoStar satellites, downlinking from the
satellites at regional headends, and then rebroadcasting
this programming, combined with locally compressed
programming, to the customer via an MMDS network.
Moody Broadcasting Network migrates to digital
Moody Broadcasting Network , a Chicago-based Christian
radio network, has completed digital conversion for 270 of
its nearly 300 owned or affiliated radio stations, using
SpaceCom Systems' Digital FM Squared satellite transmission
technology and services.
The conversion to digital satellite transmission was
launched October 1, and is being uplinked to the SpaceNet
III satellite via SpaceCom's Chicago International Teleport.
MBN is utilising Wegener's DR185 digital audio receivers in
conjunction with SpaceCom's satellite transmission services.
The network has used satellite transmission services
from SpaceCom since 1982. In 1986, Moody began using
SpaceCom's analogue FM Squared technology, which has become
a radio industry standard for analogue transmissions via
satellite. MBN's recent conversion to SpaceCom's Digital FM
Squared technology is part of the network's long-term plans
to form a completely digital network, according to Bob West,
MBN's Director of Network Development.
EchoStar announces new $199 price
EchoStar Communications announced it is cutting the
price on a second receiver to $199. Customers who purchase
the DISH NetworkPremium UHF system, priced at $299, can
purchase additional receivers for a suggested retail price
of $199 each, permitting different satellite channels to be
viewed on multiple televisions.
DISH Network's Premium UHF dual system receiver is
available with the purchase of a one-year subscription to
America's Top 50 programming package for $300. The second
receiver gives consumers the same programming choices for a
monthly access fee of $4.99. A complete Premium system,
plus a second receiver and a year of programming will cost
$798.
Star Choice Not Affected By FCC Decision
Plans for a Canadian DTH service continue to move
forward, despite a decision by the US government to dismiss
the proposed sale of American satellites to Telesat Canada.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has
dismissed a plan whereby satellites were to be sold to
Telesat Canada and launched into Canadian orbital slots.
Under the proposed plan, American companies would have had
access to 76% of the satellite space.
``Star Choice continues to move forward and the FCC
decision does not affect the goal of launching our service
early in the new year,'' says Guy Skipworth, Vice President
of Star Choice Television Network.
Star Choice will be using a dual satellite system whereby
signals are beamed to Canadian homes using existing US and
Canadian satellites.
Racal Wins Mobile Phone Test Sets
Racal Instruments has been awarded a contract by
Ericsson to develop and supply satellite mobile phone test
sets. Racal's commercial satellite terminal test technology
will be used to support Ericsson in the development and
manufacture of handsets for new satellite mobile phone
systems which are based on the GSM specification. These
systems are designed with the capacity to provide tens of
millions of subscribers throughout the world with hand-held
satellite communications.
Christian Stengel, Ericsson's Test Program Leader for
the Satellite Phone Development Group, commented: "This
selection was based on Racal's relevant commercial-off-the-
shelf (COTS) cellular phone test capability, mobile
satellite service test equipment experience, applicability
to new regional and global satellite system handsets,
enthusiastic response to meet the stated requirements and
willingness to work together with Ericsson to capture
evolving system requirements."
Racal will supply two different types of tester, the
Laboratory Verification (L/V) test set and the Systems
Software (S/S) test set, both based on the company's
standard digital radio testers with specific hardware
modifications and dedicated software. The first of these
systems is to be delivered by the beginning of 1997.
The L/V test sets are to be used at Ericsson's R & D
facilities for the development of satellite mobile phones,
as well as for verification and production testing. Based on
Racal's 6103 digital radio mobile phone test set, some of
the equipment will also be employed at Ericsson's
manufacturing plant at Kumla in Sweden. The S/S test sets
will be used for software development and test, as well as
for system verification. Developed from Racal's 6200 GSM
Phase 2 type conformance and verification test set with
modified software, the S/S test sets are designed to meet
the requirements of GSM based satellite mobile phone system
specifications.
Ericsson's new satellite phones will be based on the
company's micro-portable cellular telephones that are both
small and lightweight. Different types of dual mode
telephones will also allow subscribers to hook up to a GSM
or AMPS cellular link, where available in a particular
region, or to a satellite operating in the L band 1.5-
1.6GHz.
Miscellaneous .......
News IN Brief
ú Primestar BY TCI announced two new purchase options.
For $199, customers can purchase a complete Primestar system
when they purchase a year of PrimeEntertainment programming
and professional installation. The system also comes
complete with a one year warranty with in-home service. Also
when customers purchase additional receivers for only $325,
there is no upfront programming purchase. Customers can pay
monthly for their programming and select the package they
want.
ú Primestar is offering The National Basketball
Association's (NBA) "League Pass" this season for a one-time
fee of $149, or payable in four monthly instalments of
$37.25. The "League Pass" includes more than 700 basketball
games during the 1996-1997 regular season.
ú APT Satellite Holdings Ltd has applied to be listed on
the Hong Kong stock exchange and also plans to list on the
New York Stock Exchange.
ú TDH (Argentina) signed an agreement with Telefe and
Gem's to include their programs its broadcasting program.
TDH will operates through the satellite Nahuel C1 and from
December onwards will shift for the Nahuelsat satellite,
reaching a large part of Argentinean territory.
ú RCN, Inc. announced an agreement for RCN to distribute
the DirecTv high-power direct broadcast satellite (DBS)
service and DSS equipment to multiple-family dwelling unit
(MDU) properties in New York City. RCN will serve as the
first DirecTv MDU system operator in the country beginning
this month and will initially roll out DirecTv in buildings
recently acquired from Liberty Cable.
ú Primestar will place the National Hockey League's out-
of-market game package on its variety tier, making it
available to 1.1 million (or about 80 percent) of
Primestar's subscribers at no a-la-carte cost. The
programming tier includes ESPN2, The Weather Channel and
Country Music Television (CMT).
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