Lucent Unit Reports First New York-to-Los Angeles Fiber Video Link

NEW YORK, July 27 -- GeoVideo Networks Inc., a Lucent Technologies venture, has completed its previously announced transcontinental fiber-optic video Internet connection. The connection gives film, television, and business customers in New York and Los Angeles the ability to transport bi-directional digital video to PC desktops with real-time connectivity at high-definition TV quality, said GeoVideo Networks. The 4980-mile link connects Thirteen/WNET in New York with station KCET-TV in Los Angeles.
GeoVideo Networks' services will be full-scale by this year's fourth quarter, with connections to be added in Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia, the company said. The first international hub will be linked by the end of next year's first quarter in London, the company said, with network hubs in 67 international locations to be added by 2003.
WNET and KCET-TV are members of a group of 27 public television stations that will represent marketing channels for GeoVideo and will provide production services for customers.