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Telewest Opts For Proprietary Interactive System

Cable operator, Telewest Communications, has decided not to use an internet-based system for its interactive TV services, to be launched next year. The company has decided to opt for a system called Open TV which, according to a spokesperson, is better placed to provide the core service of television.
Rival cable companies, Cable & Wireless Communications and NTL, have both decided to use internet-based systems in order to expedite the adaption of websites to provide interactive shopping/booking services via cable television.
However Telewest believes that Open TV is a more reliable system and is a stronger base from which to start. A company spokesperson this morning denied reports that the proprietary system will make cooperation between the cable companies more difficult and said that an HTML-based system would be ‘bridged’ in to prevent this.
Telewest is expecting to secure deals with British Interactive Broadcasting (BiB), the company set up by BSkyB, BT, Matsushita and Midland Bank to develop the software and hardware for interactive television services. The EU recently gave BiB the all-clear to launch, provided that its systems will be available for use by third party broadcasters (see EU Clears BIB For Launch). BSkyB also will also use the Open TV system for its interactive services.
Telewest is to begin trialling its digital services towards the end of this year. There will be a consumer trial at the beginning of 1999, followed by a full roll-out later in the year. It is understood that the company is yet to place an order for the manufacture of its set-top boxes.
Telewest Communications: 01483 750 900