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GE Americom's Cable Customers Gather at Annual Forum
Major Networks Share Perspectives, Hear Plans for GE-10 and GE-11
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| Matt Scalici of Sports Network entertained the group during dinner. |
Representatives from nearly 20 of the world's top cable networks met recently in Carefree, Arizona, to discuss industry-wide issues and learn about ongoing developments in the GE Americom global satellite fleet. Americom hosted its 5th annual Cable Forum March 6-8 at The Boulders, a prestigious, five-star resort located near Phoenix. Executives from The Weather Channel, C-SPAN, Viacom, Court TV, Gemstar-TV Guide, iN DEMAND Pay-Per-View and Oxygen were among the distinguished list of attendees.
"The cable programming segment of the entertainment industry represents a major portion of our core business," explains Fred Horowitz, director of satellite services, GE Americom. "In fact, we were the first to launch cable programming in the U.S. nearly 17 years ago. Therefore, in the late 1990s, we developed the idea of hosting a forum to create an interactive dialogue with our cable clients. Our customers now look forward to this annual event."
Attendees heard details on GE-10 and GE-11, a pair of next-generation satellites slated to succeed Satcom C-3 and Satcom C-4 in 2004. Americom executives discussed the design and improved features of GE-10 and GE-11, as well as the status of the current vendor selection process.
"We presented the parameters of our RFP and overall capabilities of the spacecraft manufacturers we're currently dealing with," notes Horowitz. "Our engineers also shared detailed explanations of what these birds will look like, and what the delta improvements will be over the existing services offered on C-3 and C-4. These satellites will represent quantum leaps in many technical areas."
RespondTV President Richard Fisher presented the forum's keynote address on programmer interactive services. Attendees also enjoyed a handful of exciting activities, including a three-hour tour of the Sonoran Desert at Tonto National Park, a scenic balloon ride, and a round of golf at the championship Boulders course.
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