Comcast Set to Roll Out i-Guide EPG in its Cisco/Scientific-Atlanta Markets

In a posting on its corporate blog, Monday, by Ted Hodgins, its senior director of video product development/navigation, Comcast revealed that it is set to roll out the i-Guide--the advanced EPG that was developed by GuideWorks, its joint venture with Rovi (note: earlier this year--see the article published on itvt.com, March 19th--Rovi announced that it was exiting the joint venture)--in its Cisco (Scientific-Atlanta) markets, replacing the existing SARA guide. "We heard loud and clear from customers that live in what we call Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco (or SA) markets...that you want your guide to have more shortcuts, load On Demand faster, and have a user-friendly interface," Hodgins wrote. "We listened and starting this year, customers in those SA markets are going to get a new and improved on-screen experience. The guide will be launched on a rolling basis, market by market, throughout the year. We've been testing the guide with some of our employees (often our toughest customers!) who live in Connecticut, and the verdict is in: they love the new guide."

The Motorola version of the i-Guide, designated as "A28" (the SA/Cisco version is designated as "S25"), has already been rolled out to around 60% of Comcast's Motorola markets. Motorola spokesperson, Ellen Mellody, told Multichannel News's Todd Spangler that the roll-out of the SA/Cisco version will begin in Connecticut next month.

New features offered by the SA/Cisco i-Guide, according to Comcast's Hodgins, include:

• A color-coded TV grid.
• A faster-loading VOD menu.
• More detailed program information.
• Improved search functionality.
• A "Quick Menu" of shortcuts.
• Expanded parental control options.
• Multiple favorites lists.
• Additional channel grids.
• A message center.
• Local weather.

However, the Cisco/SA version of the guide currently lacks several features offered by the Motorola version, including among other things an on-screen keyboard, the ability to schedule recordings and reminders directly from promo spots, and Web-based remote DVR scheduling. Comcast's Mellody told Spangler that Comcast hopes to offer those features in its Cisco/SA markets next year.

Comcast is promoting the availability of the new guide via TV commercials and a booklet that will be mailed to customers. It has also created a dedicated Web page, listing the guide's features in detail.