FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 9, 2001
For more information, contact
Sam Matheny, DTV Plus (919) 821-8938 sam@DTVPlus.com
Kim Seymour, accessDTV (919) 782-9770 ext. 208 kseymour@accessDTV.com
Capitol Broadcasting and accessDTV First to Offer Convergence of DTV and PC
Raleigh, N.C.–Capitol Broadcasting, owner of the nation’s first HD station, WRAL-DT, and accessDTV have announced plans for a comprehensive partnership to distribute digital video and data-ready PC tuners. Several thousand of the PC-ready accessDTV Digital Media Receivers are targeted for the Raleigh-Durham market starting this summer.
“This partnership is a great leap forward for the digital transition of television,” said James F. Goodmon, president and CEO of Capitol Broadcasting Co. Inc. “There are two very important parts to this project. First, we are making it possible to watch over-the-air digital television signals on your PC monitor, and, secondly, we are making it possible to display data broadcasts by digital stations on your PC monitor. Simply install the card and attach the antenna.”
accessDTV was a finalist for Best of Show at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show for offering the industry a robust digital media receiver capable of picking up over-the-air digital and analog TV signals with an indoor antenna. Dewey Weaver, president of accessDTV, said the new cards will provide a major boost in viewership for digital stations. “In addition, it provides local affiliates opportunities for inserting local data materials of their choosing and at any bandwidth they select.”
DTV Plus, a division of Capitol, has been developing a datacast system for over 18 months. It is dedicated to streaming data over the air ways along with the digital broadcast signal to help broadcasters leverage their existing content and new digital bandwidth to create a compelling new spectrum of programming. When coupled with the accessDTV Digital Media Receiver, the combined technology positions the local broadcasters to take full advantage of their DTV assets, extend and reinforce their local brands, and initiate a quicker return on their digital investments through the use of datacasting. DTV Plus and accessDTV are signing partnerships with other local affiliates and broadcast groups to build DTV viewing in their markets.
“This collaboration is about making the promise of DTV a reality for consumers today,” said Weaver. “Our partnership with Capitol allows us to bring the compelling value of digital video and audio and related data to market when it is needed most.”
The accessDTV/Capitol package offers a full-function solution that meets customers’ and broadcasters’ needs for video, audio and data reception. For example, the accessDTV application may be TV station branded, include a custom TV program guide, support DTV sub-channels, and enable TV datacast reception of market or show-related content.
The accessDTV Digital Media Receiver 2.0 solution includes: a 32MB PCI card with tuner and video capture, accessDTV software, Silver Sensor indoor DTV antenna, coaxial cable, F-adapter, loop back cable, and a free 30-day trial of subscription services. The solution sells for $479.00, plus $9.95 per month optional subscription services. The package with full data capability will be offered beginning this summer. AccessDTV receiver packages with data capability may be purchased beginning this summer through the company website, www.accessDTV.com, or by calling 1.800.808.8149.
About accessDTV
accessDTV develops and markets technology for extending the flexible PC platform to deliver digital television (DTV) services, including datacast, high definition (HDTV), and analog TV. accessDTV sells its digital media receiver with integrated services that allow users to tune, view, record, pause, and replay digital television broadcasts from the PC. accessDTV is capitalizing on three emerging market trends: 1) the shift to digital television, 2) the integration of TV and PC displays, and 3) the increasing demand for interactive services. The company views accessDTV as the first in a series of products and services to maximize the digital initiative underway for all video and data services. The interaction and integration of data services with video services will provide the core competencies for future enhanced services. AccessDTV is based in Raleigh, NC. For more information, call 919.782.9770, or visit www.accessDTV.com.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL-Digital, WRAL-FM, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, DTV Plus, Wolfpack Sports Marketing, and Capitol Sports Management in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WFVT-TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV and the Durham Bulls Baseball Club in Durham, NC; and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Club in Myrtle Beach, SC; Capitol Broadcasting Company also founded Local TV on Satellite in Raleigh, NC.
