First Integrated Set-Top Boxes For Digital

Pace Micro Technology and Cisco Systems announced today the joint development of multi-media set-top boxes that will deliver integrated cable-based digital television, internet data and telephony services.

This will be the first product to integrate both digital cable television and internet technologies within the one compact system, and will enable people to watch TV, surf the internet and phone a friend all with the same system.

Pace is the largest manufacturer in Europe of digital set-top boxes, and Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking for the internet. The products are expected to rollout in late 1998 with Cable & Wireless, which is the first company to order the technology. The announcement comes amid confusion about the compatibility of set-top boxes with the differing methods of broadcast and reception (see Newsline).

Malcolm Miller, chief executive at Pace, commented today: “We are at the dawning of a digital revolution, an age where the internet, information technology, broadcasting and new media will converge on a single consumer device. The digital receiver decoder will become the platform for this convergence.”

Sr. vice president of Global Alliances at Cisco Systems, Charles Giancarlo, also said: “The combination of Cisco’s internet technology and Pace’s digital expertise in a single consumer device will provide a platform for the internet to dramatically impact the way we work, live and play. Cable & Wireless Communication’s decision to adopt the Cisco-Pace end-to-end solution over other delivery systems will give it a clear competitive advantage.”

Pace Micro Technology: 0171 592 3107 Cisco Systems: 0181 756 8000