Cox Communications Launches HDTV in Las Vegas
High-Definition Television Will Launch in Other Cox Markets in the Coming Months
Business Wire
Atlanta, GA
NYSE:COX

ATLANTA, Jul 22, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE: COX) today announced the launch of its new High Definition Television (HDTV) service in its Las Vegas market.

This is Cox's second commercial deployment of HDTV service, and the first using completely integrated set-top technology. HDTV is currently available to all current and potential customers in Cox's Las Vegas market - more than 600,000 homes passed. Cox is currently finalizing deployment plans for rollout of HDTV in other markets and will announce additional launches over the next several months.

"High Definition Television is another example of Cox bringing our customers the newest and best in home entertainment services," said Jim Robbins, President and CEO of Cox Communications. "Cox's HDTV service delivers picture and sound quality that far exceeds the experience previously available in the home. HDTV provides a picture that is six times sharper, with twice the color resolution, as compared to traditional analog television viewing. With HDTV from Cox, customers can enjoy a home theater experience unlike any other."

 

 

	   In Las Vegas, Cox's initial lineup includes 7 channels in high
definition:
	   --  The local CBS and PBS affiliates, available at no additional
        charge for customers leasing an HD set-top box,
	   --  Two HBO channels in high definition, available at no
        additional charge to current HBO customers leasing an HD
        set-top box,
	   --  Two Showtime channels in high definition, available at no
        additional charge to current Showtime customers leasing an HD
        set-top box, and
	   --  Discovery High Definition Theater, available for an additional
        $5 per month to current digital cable customers leasing an HD
        set-top box.

There is a $10.15 monthly charge for rental of an HDTV digital set-top box and remote control. Other high definition channels may be added to the lineup as they become available in the market.

Cox's HDTV service offers Las Vegas customers several advantages over alternative sources of HDTV programming. While major direct broadcast satellite (DBS) companies currently offer some HDTV programming, that HD programming does not include any local channels. And, for Las Vegas residents with DBS who want local channels in standard transmission, there is an additional monthly fee. Cox includes local programming as part of its standard cable service.

This launch reflects the ongoing commitment that Cox, along with other major cable companies and the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), has made to provide HDTV to as many American consumers as possible. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has urged cable service providers, broadcast television stations, programming producers, and consumer electronics manufacturers to expedite the deployment of HDTV. "Cox is doing its part to support FCC Chairman Michael Powell's plans for the growth, success, and proliferation of digital television," said Robbins. "HDTV, along with our other new home video services like video on demand, strengthens Cox's position as the value leader in our markets."

 

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications (NYSE: COX), a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications company serving approximately 6.3 million customers nationwide. Cox is the nation's fifth-largest cable television provider, and offers traditional analog video programming under the Cox Cable brand, as well as advanced digital video programming under the Cox Digital Cable brand. Cox provides an array of other communications and entertainment services, including local and long distance telephone under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the brands Cox High Speed Internet and Cox Express; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services. Cox is an investor in programming networks including Discovery Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.

CONTACT: Cox Communications Laura Oberhelman, 404/269-7562

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