This has significant implications. To date, a majority of the digital cable set tops that have been installed are considered thin. As MSOs deploy this set top terminal either as a primary or second-set platform, the overall market opportunity for the ICTV platform will continue to grow. This provides cable operators with choice, fosters innovation through flexible and creative combination of tools and allows each of the technology providers to focus on productizing their core sources of value. To enable rapid proliferation of compelling consumer products, ICTV also takes an open approach to content and applications such as TV Guide's electronic program guide and ACTV's HyperTV Enhanced Television solution.
Cable operators negotiate directly with content and applications providers.
ICTV's client-server approach is optimal for cable operators to deliver compelling, differentiated services while at the same time managing their technology costs for the short and long term. We're enthusiastic concerning these relationships. The advent of digital delivery and the emergence of the Internet as a source of more and more content has provided ICTV with the right product at the right time. Few offerings leverage cable's massive bandwidth and speed as well as this one. DBS cannot do this.