Cablevision Systems announced plans to spin-off its recently launched satellite service (Rainbow DBS.) In addition to Rainbow DBS, the new, spun-off entity will include three of Rainbow Media’s national entertainment services — AMC, The Independent Film Channel and WE: Women’s Entertainment — their subsidiaries, and certain other Rainbow businesses. Cablevision plans to focus primarily on its core regional cable, telecommunications, sports and entertainment assets. Cablevision will no longer retain the rights to offer DBS service in the New York area.
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- In October 2003, Rainbow DBS, the satellite service division of Cablevision Systems, launched an array of high-definition television (HDTV) programming to customers across the continental U.S. The new “VOOM” satellite service will eventually carry as many as 39 HDTV channels, as well as 88 channels in standard-definition format. VOOM will initially broadcast in MPEG-2, with an upgrade to MPEG-4 currently expected for the third quarter of 2004. Using MPEG-4, Rainbow DBS will be able to broadcast more than 200 channels, including at least 39 HDTV services. Rainbow DBS will also provide local digital over-the-air programming. Hardware for the VOOM service will include a satellite dish and a specially designed set-top receiver manufactured by Motorola, as well as a digital antenna for local broadcast signals. The Motorola set-top is upgradeable to MPEG-4.