Cable
Cable television is a service that delivers multiple channels of video programming
to subscribers who pay a monthly fee for the services they receive. Video signals
are received over-the-air, by fiber optic transport or via satellite delivery
by antennas, microwave relay stations and satellite earth stations and are modulated,
amplified and distributed over a network of coaxial and fiber optic cable to
the subscribers' television sets. Cable television systems typically are constructed
and operated pursuant to non-exclusive franchises awarded by local and state
governmental authorities for specified periods of time.
Our cable television systems offer varying packages of video service. In our
New York metropolitan service area, the video service is marketed under the
Optimum and iO brand names. Our cable television systems in Montana, Wyoming,
Colorado and Utah (the "Bresnan Cable service area") currently use
the Bresnan name to market video product offerings. Our video services may include,
among other programming, local broadcast network affiliates and independent
television stations, certain other news, information and entertainment channels
such as CNN, CNBC, ESPN, and MTV, and certain premium services such as HBO,
Showtime, The Movie Channel, Starz!/Encore and Cinemax. We also offer digital
video service, which enables customers to receive video on demand and subscription
video on demand services, as well as additional viewing channels.
Our cable television revenues are derived principally from monthly fees paid
by subscribers. In addition to recurring subscriber revenues, we derive revenues
from the sales of pay-per-view movies and events, video on demand and subscription
video on demand program services, from the sale of advertising time on advertiser
supported programming and from installation and equipment charges. Certain services
and equipment provided by substantially all of our cable television systems
are subject to regulation. See "Regulation - Cable Television."
We also provide high-speed data services using our cable television broadband
network. High-speed data services are provided to customers through a cable
modem device. The high-speed data service is marketed as "Optimum Online"
in the New York metropolitan service area and as "Bresnan OnLine"
in the Bresnan Cable service area.
The Company offers VoIP technology services exclusively to our Optimum Online
subscribers, marketed as "Optimum Voice" in the New York metropolitan
area. The Company also offers VoIP technology services to customers in the Bresnan
Cable service area, marketed as "Bresnan Digital Phone".
Through Optimum Lightpath, a business broadband service provider, we provide
telecommunications services to the business market in the greater New York metropolitan
area. Optimum Lightpath provides converged data, Internet and voice solutions
to mid-sized and large businesses, hospital systems, municipalities, and school
systems.
Optimum Lightpath
Optimum Lightpath, a business broadband service provider, we provide telecommunications
services to the business market in the greater New York metropolitan area. Optimum
Lightpath provides converged data, Internet and voice solutions to mid-sized
and large businesses, hospital systems, municipalities, and school systems.
Rainbow
We conduct substantially all of our programming activities through Rainbow
Media Holdings. Rainbow Media Holdings' businesses include ownership interests
in national programming networks.
Rainbow Media Holdings' national programming networks include primarily AMC,
WE tv, IFC, and Sundance Channel.
AMC is available on cable television and other distribution platforms such
as direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") and video programming offered
by telephone companies in the United States and Canada. It is principally carried
on basic or expanded basic tiers for which subscribers do not have to pay a
premium to receive the network. Affiliation fee revenues are based on fees paid
by the distributors for the right to carry the programming.
AMC's film library consists of films that are licensed from major studios such
as Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Sony, MGM, NBC Universal, Paramount,
and Buena Vista under long-term contract.
WE tv
WE tv is a 24-hour programming network for women. The programming is available
on multiple platforms and features original and acquired series and specials
as well as feature films.
WE tv's primetime schedule includes original programming, with the most successful
series being Bridezillas, My Fair Wedding, Amazing Wedding Cakes and Downsized.
Additionally, WE tv's programming includes acquired series such as Ghost Whisperer,
Charmed and Golden Girls. WE tv has the exclusive license rights to films and
off-network series from major studios such as Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros.
to supplement its original programming.
IFC
IFC is a programming network dedicated to independent films and complementary
content inspired by the independent spirit. IFC's original programming airs
alongside a library of award-winning titles, feature-length films, independent
films (domestically and internationally produced), documentaries, shorts, animation,
and cult classics.
IFC's film library includes titles from IFC Entertainment's film production,
film distribution and video-on-demand businesses (see "Other Services"
below), as well as from major independent film distribution companies like Fox
Searchlight, Sony Pictures Classics, Lionsgate Films and Miramax Film.
Sundance Channel
Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films,
documentaries, and original programs. The programming is available on multiple
platforms and features films, original series and specials.
Newsday
Newsday consists of the Newsday daily newspaper, amNew York, Star Community
Publishing Group and online websites, including newsday.com and exploreLI.com.