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TV GAMES LAUNCHES SERVICE ON GE-1
PRINCETON, NJ, September 13, 1999
GE American Communications, Inc. (GE Americom), a subsidiary of GE Capital, announced today that TV Games (TVG), a unit of TV Guide, Inc., has become the newest member of GE Americom's Cable2 neighborhood. TVG will utilize one C-band transponder on the GE-1 satellite to distribute its thoroughbred racing and interactive gaming programming to cable head-ends throughout the United States.
Carl Capista, GE Americom's Vice President, Satellite Services - North America said "We are pleased that TV Games has selected our service, not only extending but expanding the long-term relationship between TV Guide and GE Americom." He continued, "With its focus on racing and interactive entertainment, TVG is an exciting addition to the array of sports programming already reaching the 42 million cable households connected to the Cable2 neighborhood."
"I cannot overstate the importance of coming to an agreement with GE American Communications," said Mark Wilson, CEO of TVG. "It was the first and most important step to the widespread distribution of TVG to millions of people across North America."
Co-produced with FOX productions, TVG features thoroughbred, harness and quarter-horse racing, with an average of 5 hosted, real-time events each hour, originating from over twenty of the nation's major race tracks with which the network has exclusive long-term agreements. TVG's programming also includes expert commentary, tutorials and behind-the-scenes features on the horses and celebrities of the sport. Interactive wagering interface, available initially via telephone this month, provides handicapping data, real-time track odds, weather conditions, equipment/jockey changes. In the near future, the TVG viewer will be enabled to interact using television, phone and PC platforms.
GE Americom's Cable2 Neighborhood now reaches 42 million cable households and is composed of two dozen national and regional programming networks using transponders on GE-1 and Spacenet 4. Spacenet 4, located at 101 ° W.L., will be replaced later this year by the more powerful and technically superior GE-4 satellite. The rapid growth of Cable2 can be attributed to an ambitious program to distribute antennas to cable head-ends that, in aggregate, plans to reach up to 90% of America's cable subscribers. With the close proximity of the two satellites, GE-1 at 103 ° and SN-4/GE-4 at 101°W.L., the antenna program permits dual reception of both satellites by a single C-band antenna.
The C-band payload of the hybrid GE-1 satellite is dedicated to Cable2, with twenty-four 36 MHz, 20-watt C-band transponders. The satellite was launched in late 1996 at 103° W.L. and provides 50 state and Caribbean coverage for an expected 15-year life. The spacecraft also carries the first U.S. payload of 36 MHz bandwidth; 60-watt powered Ku-band transponders and features a shaped-beam reflector antenna design. The GE-1 spacecraft is an advanced satellite platform offering exceptional reliability, flexibility, system redundancy and service life.
Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado with production facilities in Los Angeles and research and development facilities in Tulsa and Louisville, TVG is a subsidiary of TV Guide, Inc., a global diversified media and communications company that operates three primary business units, TV Guide Entertainment Group, TV Guide Magazine Group and United Video Group. TV Guide markets and distributes products in the United States to over 100 million cable and satellite homes every week. TV Guide also markets its products internationally in over 30 countries. TV Guide Magazine and TV Guide Channel are the largest print and electronic guidance products in the world. For up to date information about TV Guide companies, please access the TV Guide Internet home page at www.tvguideinc.com. TV Guide trades on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol TVGIA.
With over twenty years of experience, GE American Communications, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer and a leading provider of global satellite communications solutions. These solutions primarily provide the distribution of broadcast and cable television programming and digital/Broadband Data Services over satellite. GE Americom currently operates twelve satellites providing satellite-based solutions to North America. In Europe, GE-1E provides high-powered Ku-band service for European and Middle Eastern television markets. With the launch of GE-4 and as an owner of Argentine satellite operator NahuelSAt, GE Americom is committed to the delivery of satellite-based communications services throughout South and Latin America. And with the launch of its first Asian satellite, GE-1A, GE Americom's satellite interests will reach more than 90% of the world's population. Some of GE Americom's key international customers include Viacom, Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting, Discovery, NBC, NHK Disney, Deutsche Welle and Merlin.
GE Capital, with assets of over US$300 billion, is a global, diversified financial services company with 28 specialized businesses. A wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Company, GE Capital, based in Stamford, CT., provides equipment management, mid-market and specialized financing, specialty insurance and a variety of consumer services, such as car leasing, home mortgages and credit cards, to businesses and individuals around the world. GE is a diversified services, technology and manufacturing company with operations worldwide.
Contact: Monica Morgan
609-987-4143
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