Web access in spotlight at National Cable TV show

Electronic News, May 6, 1996

Los Angeles--Internet access was a hot topic at last week's National Cable Television Association (NCTA) convention, with a host of major OEMs announcing Web-based products and initiatives. "We are very excited about the prospects for high-speed on-line services via cable," said Jim Chiddix, senior VP for engineering technology at Time Warner Cable.

Hewlett-Packard led the pack by launching a new broadband Internet access system, as well as new alliances with Netscape, CableData, Motorola and Comcast. HP's Broadband Internet Delivery System includes a server package, signal conversion system and a cable modem to provide an end-to-end, PC-oriented network solution. The system is compatible with a variety of broadband technologies, including hybrid fiber-coax plant, FTTC and wireless networks, and can service from 500-100,000 users. It will incorporate Netscape server software and CableData's Intelecable software.

Time Warner will use the HP system for its LineRunner high-speed cable service, which will bring cable to subscribers through their PCs. Time Warner completed a trial of the solution in Elmira, N.Y., and plans a full rollout of the service in Akron, Ohio, during the second half of this year. Cable and telephone service provider Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. announced it will also deploy the HP system in up to five communities by the end of the year.

Zenith Electronics and U.S. Robotics unveiled a new cable modem system based on Zenith's HomeWorks Universal cable modems and the U.S. Robotics Total Control Enterprise Network Hub. The new system, which will be marketed as part of Zenith's MetroAccess cable modem product family, uses the U.S. Robotics hub as a dial-up upstream path for data, while using Zenith modems for the downstream communications. The network accordingly allows cable operators with one-way cable technology to offer Internet access without upgrading to two-way cable.

William G. Luehrs, president of Zenith's Network Systems division, said: "The U.S. Robotics headend system is an essential ingredient to the system, because an overwhelming number of cable systems are still one-way, and they demand a telco return option." Zenith also announced a new platform which combines its cable modems with Windows NT-based software and internetworking technology from Cisco Systems. Cisco will providing its Internetwork Operating System as well as routers and switches for the venture.

Zenith is using Microsoft's new public networks platform, which includes Windows NT with Microsoft Internet Information Server; Catapult, a proxy and caching server; and Internet Explorer. Several other companies are developing products which will integrate the platform, including General Instrument, HP and Motorola. Major cable providers also announced plans to incorporate Microsoft software into their internet options, including Time Warner Cable, Comcast, France's Compagnie Generale de Videocommunication and Singapore CableVision. Steven C. Craddock, VP of new media development at Comcast, described the agreement as "further proof that the computer industry shares our immense enthusiasm for high-speed data via cable."

General Instrument announced a new program intended to accelerate development and delivery of video-enriched interactive services (videoware) via broadband networks. Under the Videoware Innovation Partners (VIP) program, GI will work with its partners to develop a data system integrating GI's SURFboard network with network management and access services. Initial VIPs include America Online, CompuServe, Sun Microsytems and Microsoft.

GI's SURFboard network currently delivers video and data to PCs with SURFboard adapter cards at speeds of 27Mps, using a cable connection downstream with a telephone return path. GI plans to introduce a SURFboard ATM system offering two-way cable communications next year. GI will also be the initial provider of digital set-top boxes for TCI, Cox and Comcast. Its DCT 1000 digital set-top box is scheduled for testing in June, with a full roll-out in October. GI has received contracts for purchase of nearly 2 million units of its digital equipment.

Mitsubishi showed Java-compatible digital televisions and set-top boxes. Mitsubishi embedded Java/HotJava into high-volume silicon in order to lower costs. The consumer market requires the porting of Java to create products that can easily be adapted into the home, said Philip Corman, senior marketing manager, Mitsubishi Electronics' North American Multimedia Business Center. Mitsubishi uses Microware's OS-9 program, which interfaces to Java environment via a desktop platform.