@Home Networks, the California-based provider of high-speed internet access and content services has acquired Full Force Systems Inc, a San Jose, California company that specializes in providing interactive TV and video-on-demand services. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition fits into @Home’s strategy to offer solutions for digital set-top boxes; devices that sit between a television set and the cable TV infrastructure and let users surf the web or carry out other interactive activities using their TV sets. @Home, 39% owned by Tele-Communications Inc which agreed to be acquired by AT&T earlier this year (CI No 3,439), already offers integrated email accounts, TV-optimized @Home content, interactive advertising and TV services. The acquisition of Full Force gives @Home access to the company’s Local.TV technology. The latter continually broadcasts locally-tailored TV programs, including weather reports, consisting of brief changing text, graphics, music and animation. @Home has access to interactive services for its range of General Instrument set-top boxes, but the Full Force acquisition gives the company expertise with Scientific Atlanta boxes as well, the company said. Local.TV can provide content from a variety of sources including existing web sites, local broadcasters, wire feeds, and more. Full Force Systems will join the network engineering division of @Home, reporting to Adam Grosser, VP of product development.
