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HDNet will launch new tier of high-definition premium programming
packages by 4th quarter, but won't deploy copy protection in order to
facilitate copying of content, Pres. Mark Cuban said. HDNet will introduce
HDTV general interest, sports and movie packages that will be targeted at
cable and satellite operators and will be broadcast solely in 1080i, Cuban
said. HDNet now transmits 16 hours daily of HDTV programming on channel 199
of DirecTV satellite service. It launched last fall.
Pricing hasn't been set and programming could be sold in satellite market
as part of package with HBO or Showtime, Cuban said. All new packages will
carry programming 24 hours/7 days and some content will be made available to
broadcasters for over-the-air HDTV feeds, Cuban said. Unclear is who will
build set-top decoder boxes minus copy protection to receive HDNet content.
HDNet will consider building own STBs via 3rd-party contractor and selling
them on private label basis, Cuban said. Company has had discussions with
STMicroelectonics and Microtune about supplying chipsets, he said.
"No matter what I do, there won't be any copy protection," Cuban said in
interview after keynoting Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA)
SkyForum in N.Y.C. Tues. "The only reason we're not seeing a build-up of
inventory of these boxes is because they [consumer electronics companies]
have to come to grips with copy protection. HD will accelerate and you
don't have to worry about copy protection because there's no risk of this
industry being Napsterized. You won't see us copy protect any of our
programming and that's a risk to us and it's an opportunity to gain
customers." HDNet's over-air feeds will consist of original or purchased
content, but not professional sports. It has agreement with NHL and is
broadcasting 85 Major League Baseball (MLB) games in HDTV this year. It
also is negotiating pact with Arena Football, Cuban said, and already has
retransmission agreement with Japan's NHK. Premium packages may be sold at
retail depending on individual plans of satellite service or MSO, he said.
HDNet will concentrate on quality of picture to sell service at start, he
said. "How long do I have to be 'Wow' vs. programming competitively?" he
asked. "I feel I have 3 to 4 years."
HDNet also is continuing to develop of D-VHS titles, but won't seek
license from JVC, which has agreements with 4 film studios to release movies
containing its D-Theater copy protection. HDNet is developing software and
will do own replication if necessary, he said. JVC officials weren't
available for comment. JVC currently is handling replication of D-VHS titles
at factory in Japan, but
PAGE 2
Communications Daily, May 1, 2002
is expected to license duplicators, which will start production in U.S. in
fall.
-- Mark Seavy
LOAD-DATE: April 30, 2002
packages by 4th quarter, but won't deploy copy protection in order to
facilitate copying of content, Pres. Mark Cuban said. HDNet will introduce
HDTV general interest, sports and movie packages that will be targeted at
cable and satellite operators and will be broadcast solely in 1080i, Cuban
said. HDNet now transmits 16 hours daily of HDTV programming on channel 199
of DirecTV satellite service. It launched last fall.
Pricing hasn't been set and programming could be sold in satellite market
as part of package with HBO or Showtime, Cuban said. All new packages will
carry programming 24 hours/7 days and some content will be made available to
broadcasters for over-the-air HDTV feeds, Cuban said. Unclear is who will
build set-top decoder boxes minus copy protection to receive HDNet content.
HDNet will consider building own STBs via 3rd-party contractor and selling
them on private label basis, Cuban said. Company has had discussions with
STMicroelectonics and Microtune about supplying chipsets, he said.
"No matter what I do, there won't be any copy protection," Cuban said in
interview after keynoting Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA)
SkyForum in N.Y.C. Tues. "The only reason we're not seeing a build-up of
inventory of these boxes is because they [consumer electronics companies]
have to come to grips with copy protection. HD will accelerate and you
don't have to worry about copy protection because there's no risk of this
industry being Napsterized. You won't see us copy protect any of our
programming and that's a risk to us and it's an opportunity to gain
customers." HDNet's over-air feeds will consist of original or purchased
content, but not professional sports. It has agreement with NHL and is
broadcasting 85 Major League Baseball (MLB) games in HDTV this year. It
also is negotiating pact with Arena Football, Cuban said, and already has
retransmission agreement with Japan's NHK. Premium packages may be sold at
retail depending on individual plans of satellite service or MSO, he said.
HDNet will concentrate on quality of picture to sell service at start, he
said. "How long do I have to be 'Wow' vs. programming competitively?" he
asked. "I feel I have 3 to 4 years."
HDNet also is continuing to develop of D-VHS titles, but won't seek
license from JVC, which has agreements with 4 film studios to release movies
containing its D-Theater copy protection. HDNet is developing software and
will do own replication if necessary, he said. JVC officials weren't
available for comment. JVC currently is handling replication of D-VHS titles
at factory in Japan, but
PAGE 2
Communications Daily, May 1, 2002
is expected to license duplicators, which will start production in U.S. in
fall.
-- Mark Seavy
LOAD-DATE: April 30, 2002
