SeaChange International Inc. will provide Transport Streams Insertion equipment to Cox Communications Inc. cable television systems in several markets to provide local ad insertion capabilities for digital cable networks. The insertion technology will be installed this year in Cox's largest systems and in the remaining systems during 2003.
Cox currently uses SeaChange Spot analog ad insertion systems. The Spot Systems will be enhanced with the Transport Streams Inserters, rackmounted boxes that automatically allow frame-accurate insertion of locally stored ads, infomercials or programs into digital cable networks. The technology can also be used for promoting value-added services like VOD, cable modems and new programming packages.
Nine Cox master control centers and a number of headends are scheduled for the upgrade, including sites in New Orleans, Oklahoma City and San Diego. On average, six digital cable networks will be added to Cox's local ad sales inventory in these markets.
