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Net Briefs

Feb 19, 2001  •  Post A Comment

SA inks deal with Metabyte Networks
Digital interactive television set-top box manufacturer Scientific-Atlanta has licensed software from Metabyte Networks that will add personal video recording technology to Scientific-Atlanta’s Explorer 8000 set-top boxes. The software, which allows the devices to target television viewers with tailored content and advertising, is designed to supersede traditional television advertising. To date, Scientific-Atlanta’s 8000 set-top boxes have not been deployed by U.S. cable operators, although the devices are respected in the interactive content industry.
Hughes adds TiVo
to DirecTV boxes
Hughes Network Systems later this month will begin selling a new line of DirecTV set-top boxes that include TiVo’s personal video recording service. AOL TV, the interactive television arm of AOL Time Warner, also is working to produce a device that includes the TiVo
service. But AOL TV hasn’t nailed down a date for unveiling the TiVo box. In the meantime, AOL TV is planning later this year to market
a Hughes box that includes the DirecTV service but not TiVo.
Rolling Stone Radio rocks with new show
Rolling Stone Radio, the interactive radio component of RollingStone.com, has commenced a new online series called “Rolling Stone: Behind the Covers.” The program documents, in audio form, highlights from past Rolling Stone magazine cover stories. RadioWave.com developed the show, which will include e-commerce links that will allow viewers to purchase records online.
Hypnotic seeks
new financing
Hypnotic, an interactive content producer and distributor backed by lead investor Vivendi-Universal, is seeking a new round of funding. The company competes with rivals AtomFilms and MediaTrip. MediaTrip is affiliated with Joe Roth’s Revolution Studios.