Heavy hitters from the world of cable will touch down in Denver this week to honor several industry trailblazers and to discuss key issues facing the sector.
Seven industry veterans, including Comcast chairman Brian Roberts, will be inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame on Wednesday at The Cable Center on the University of Denver campus. More than 600 people are expected to attend the event, at $500 per ticket.
The Cable Center will also host a conference Tuesday to discuss, among other things, how the cable sector can develop and embrace new technologies.
“To date, a number of the important technologies have come from outside the industry,” said Phil Weiser, executive director of the Silicon Flatirons Telecommunications Program, which is co-sponsoring the conference.
Weiser gave two examples: digital video recorders, which use technology developed by TiVo, and Voice over Internet Protocol, popularized by upstarts such as Vonage.
“In both cases, the cable company looked to incorporate and develop these technologies,” Weiser said.
Another key question facing the industry is how online video services such as YouTube.com can complement the cable industry’s core video offering and to what extent they will compete with cable programming, Weiser said.
At least one cable programmer, Current TV, allows viewers to submit their own videos for the channel. Current TV, which is available on Comcast digital service in Colorado, is chaired by former Vice President Al Gore.
The industry is moving toward more personalization, said Robert Zitter, chief technology officer for HBO.
“One of the things you’re going to see is more personalization of television,” said Zitter, who will be inducted into the hall of fame Wednesday.
Another trend: With more shows available “on demand” and commercial- free, marketers are seeking to incorporate their products into programming.
“The marketers are figuring out ways to use advertising as information in the on-demand world,” said Char Beales, president of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing.
The 2006 hall of fame inductees will join 52 others who have been honored since 1998.
“What the selection committee is looking for is really people who have made a significant contribution to the industry,” said Larry Satkowiak, president of The Cable Center.
HBO and NBC sportscaster Jim Lampley will emcee the induction ceremony.
“The class that’s going in this year are just some of the pillars in the industry,” Zitter said. “Just to be thought of at the same time with those folks is obviously a great honor.”
The other inductees are:
Decker Anstrom, president and chief operating officer, Landmark Communications Inc.
Ralph M. Baruch, founder and former chairman, Viacom International
Carolyn S. Chambers, chairman and chief executive, Chambers Communications Corp.
Judy McGrath, chairman and chief executive, MTV Networks
James O. Robbins, former president and chief executive, Cox Communications
Staff writer Andy Vuong can be reached at 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com.
