In the States

Comcast said it will replace Microsoft‘s digital cable programming guide in WA with an i-Guide it developed with Gemstar-TV Guide. The change satisfies the MSO’s goal to provide a consistent user experience, said a spokesperson, as the WA market was the only 1 using disparate software. The new service is expected to roll out Jun 5 in Spokane, with the remainder of the state to receive it in Sept. New features will include the ability to watch 6 channels on the screen at once, with caller ID on the TV screen coming later. — Cablevision‘s business broadband service provider Optimum Lightpath launched its Voice over Metro Ethernet service, the 1st such service to be offered by a cable MSO and powered through collaboration with NEC and Cisco. Purported benefits of the phone service include increased functionality, lower cost of ownership and more control over communications apps. — Buckeye CableSystem will carry the Big Ten Network when it launches in Aug. The MSO serves approx 150K subs in OH and southeast MI. — Fox Sports en Espa?ol added 500K households to its distribution lineup last year, bringing its reach to 4.5mln Hispanic homes and 13mln overall, the net said Tues at its upfront presentation. Gains were strongest in Houston (+76%), NY (+36%) and Phoenix (+17%). The net also realized a 32% increase in ad sales last year.