Media Net has begun operation of an Internet site to enable the general public learn about and use its interactive multimedia via the cable network service.
Last spring, companies Net Game and Media Net were awarded experimental cable multimedia broadcast permits by the Ministry of Communication. Meimadim and IBM were also allowed to perform experimental broadcasts. Participants in the experiment will receive Internet services, CD-ROM on Demand, and on line information. The first area to offer the new service will be the new city of Shoham, east of Ben Gurion Airport. Media Net announced this week that the Shoham elementary school will be connected to the cable network within a few weeks, after which the service will be gradually introduced into the city’s neighborhoods.
Media Net is a privately owned multimedia company, founded by Gideon Lev, former General Manager of the Israeli Ministry of Communications and Amos Lasker, formerly General Manager of Gvanim CATV. The company, which operates in this field in collaboration with Globescom and Telrad Holdings, intends to test provision of multimedia services through the Israeli cable television network. This experiment will support Media Net’s bid for the commercial operation of multimedia services in Israel.
Outreach was the reason for setting up the web site. "The communications field is very hot, especially in all things concerned with personal computers and television," says Shabtai Shoval, of Media Net’s management. "The need for creating a site of this type arose after many requests from the Israeli public for general information about the development of interactive multimedia via both the local cable network, and networks around the world. People want to be kept up to date with additional information about the experiment, approved by the Ministry of Communications, and other developments in the field."
Visitors to the Media Net site are presented with a range of subjects such as a visit to the experimental site which includes a virtual reality simulation, information about the experiment and Media Net. There is also a description of Israel’s cable network and the international cable scene which makes note of similar experiments in other countries.
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