Richmond, Virginia to Be the First in the Nation to Receive Revolutionary Broadband TV Technology

Richmond, Virginia to Be the First in the Nation to Receive Revolutionary Broadband TV Technology

RICHMOND, Va., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Cavalier Telephone & TV today announced the launch of its new Broadband TV service in Richmond, Virginia. The company is the first telephone provider in the United States to offer advanced MPEG-4 technology to deploy TV services over a broadband connection. AT&T has announced it won't launch its Broadband TV version until the end of the year.

Cavalier's Broadband TV delivers over 150 crystal clear digital channels including all local network affiliates. It utilizes a full featured interactive electronic program guide that allows the viewer to navigate seamlessly through various service menus, including setting up parental controls for safe family viewing. The on-screen caller ID feature allows consumers the flexibility to monitor incoming telephone calls. The digital set top box provides the portal that allows for smooth access to interactive services such as Video-on-Demand and Pay-per-View and On-screen Caller ID. All these features provide the consumer with the most personalized entertainment experience on the market today.

"The MPEG-4 technology converts video content into a digital stream so it can be delivered over a broadband network," stated Jerry Weber, a consultant for the Martin Group. "The result is a high resolution, artifact free signal with improved picture quality, similar to the digitalizing of audio in an MP3 format. Currently, the majority of cable TV signals are delivered over old analog cables subject to noise and picture degradation," concluded Mr. Weber.

The delivery of broadcast quality digital television and other services over a broadband network will change the way people learn, communicate and entertain themselves in the coming decades. Through Broadband TV, consumers will enjoy new unprecedented levels of interactivity between internet, voice and video, enabling them to access services currently unavailable to them through current TV providers. Customers will also be able to access a greater number of channels than what is currently being offered by traditional cable and satellite TV providers, allowing them the potential to watch more programs geared to their specific interests. To accommodate this growing trend, Cavalier's channel lineup has been tailored to specific genres and programming interests.

Cavalier's Broadband TV is bundled with Cavalier Telephone voice and broadband internet service, creating a "Triple Play" offering. Cavalier's "Triple Play" will offer local and long distance telephone service, high speed DSL Internet service and over 150 digital channels for only $95 per month. "Our customers are looking for value and a $50 per month savings is substantial," stated Cavalier CEO Brad Evans. "We intend to go head-to-head with existing cable and satellite firms showcasing our superior picture quality and network reliability. Since Cavalier's inception, our focus has been on delivering advanced products and services at the most competitive prices in the marketplace. Broadband TV is a continuation of that strategy," concluded Mr. Evans.

Cavalier receives the broadcast signal by satellite transmission, converts the programming to MPEG-4 and then distributes content to customers from the company's state-of-the-art television head-end facility located on Laburnum Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. Sales, customer service and technical support for Cavalier Broadband TV will be provided from the company's Parham Road, Richmond location. Cavalier has over 650 employees in Richmond. Cavalier will utilize its existing fiber-based broadband DSL network which delivers download speeds of up to 15mbps. Cavalier will offer its new video service to customers within reach of its high speed network, estimated at over 250,000 homes passed.

Cavalier plans to roll out video services in its other markets including: Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Metro Washington, DC in the coming months. Cavalier's Broadband TV will be in front of two million homes passed with its Triple Play service when this rollout is complete.

"Cavalier is at the cutting edge of voice, video and data services. Our network infrastructure allows us to be more innovative and evolve at a faster pace than our competition. We think the real winners in all of this will be our customers. They will have more control, more choices and greater value than ever before," said Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Andy Lobred.

Cavalier Telephone & TV will continue to enhance its Broadband TV offerings with additional applications such as TV mail, interactive programming and gaming, to provide customers with even more entertainment and convenience.

Cavalier Telephone is a facilities-based, full-service local telephone company (CLEC) offering the latest in advanced telecommunications products, including advanced telephone features and high-speed Internet access for business and residential customers. Cavalier Telephone now services approximately 35,000 businesses and 215,000 residential customers in Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Philadelphia, Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and Metro Washington, DC. For additional information regarding Cavalier Telephone, visit the company's website at http://www.cavtel.com/ or contact Andy Lobred at (804) 422-4100.

Source: Cavalier Telephone & TV

CONTACT: Andy Lobred of Cavalier Telephone & TV, +1-804-422-4100,
alobred@cavtel.com

Web site: http://www.cavtel.com/

-------
Profile: International Entertainment