AUSTIN, Texas — Jan. 9, 2001 — Austin, Texas-based Security Broadband Corp., in partnership with Cox Communications, has begun an initial technology trial of its first-of-a-kind broadband home security service in Las Vegas, Nev. The trial, which will test the transmission of audio, video and alarm signals over the system's cable infrastructure, will help the company refine its technology as it prepares to introduce its service to consumers later this year.
Founded in June 1999, Security Broadband Corp. is creating the next generation of home security products by integrating broadband features, including audio and video capabilities, Web access and wireless capabilities, into an industry that has not kept pace with emerging technologies. Security Broadband's service will combine traditional window, door and motion sensors with microphones and video cameras that are triggered by alarm events, enabling alarm verification and reducing the number of unnecessary calls to law enforcement agencies.
The trial, being conducted in conjunction with partner Cox Communications, will include data transmission tests with Cox High Speed Internet service customers in the Las Vegas market.
"Cox believes that the cable market is ready for this technology and, leveraging off of our broadband investment, we hope to deliver a new, state-of-the-art product to our residential and small business customers,” said Cox Director of Business Development Jeff Brown. “If all goes well, this technology has the potential to supply the cable industry with another significant revenue stream.”
"We're marrying home-based broadband with the concept of a more robust and functional home security product," said Security Broadband CEO William Glasgow. "Our development team has taken us to a point where we can test our design and system architecture to ensure that the service will work smoothly for future customers, and we are thrilled with the preliminary results."
“I am a trial participant, and I think this is a customer-friendly product whose time has come,” said trial participant Phil Peckman.
Security Broadband has also received support and encouragement for the trial from law-enforcement officials who see the technology as a valuable tool. Security Broadband is working with law enforcement to create a greater awareness of this new technology and is exploring new methods of exchanging security monitoring data between consumers and law-enforcement offices.
Last month, the company announced investments from several leading cable companies, including Cox Communications (NYSE: COX), Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), Adelphia Communications Corp. (Nasdaq: ADLAC), Coditel, Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC), Charter Communications (Nasdaq: CHTR), Rogers Communications, Inc. (NYSE: RG) and Shaw Communications, Inc. (NYSE: SJR). Combined, these companies pass more than 50 million homes in the United States, Canada and Europe.
"Our first goal is to ensure that our prototype works from a technical standpoint," Glasgow said, "and this trial period is validating our design and concept. Additional service features, such as wireless cameras and two-way remote audio transmission will be tested in upcoming months."
“Las Vegas is a great location to conduct this trial,” said Security Broadband Chairman Jerry Lindauer. Security Broadband chose Las Vegas as the trial site because of the reliable, state-of-the-art plant Cox has installed, Cox’s customer-focused approach to business and the progressive leadership within the Las Vegas Sheriff’s Department. Monitoring of the system is taking place at an Security Broadband facility in Orlando, Fla. to prove the remote audio and video transmission capabilities of the technology.
About Security Broadband: Security Broadband, through strategic partnerships with leading cable operators, will provide home security via high-speed broadband Internet services. Located in Austin, Texas, Security Broadband will offer audio and video alarm verification, 24-hour monitoring and a Web site with remote system access features and security-focused content. The service can reduce false alarms, improve police effectiveness and increase users’ peace of mind while they are away from home.
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