ATLANTA, Feb 5, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cox Communications (NYSE: COX) today announced the first deployment of its new Digital Video Recorder (DVR) service in Gainesville, Florida.

"We are very excited to begin rolling out DVR service to our customers," said Lynne Elander, vice president, video product development. "Digital Video Recorder service from Cox changes the way our customers view television - giving them complete control over what they watch and when they watch it. DVR service marks the next logical step in Cox's ongoing efforts to bring customers the most compelling home entertainment programming, powered by technology that increases their control and convenience in viewing."

A digital video recorder is a device that stores video programming on a hard disk, which is then available for playback at any time. Often compared to videocassette recorders (VCRs), DVRs and VCRs do have similar functions - recording and playback. However, Cox's DVR service offers more sophisticated recording and playback options that significantly expand customers' control over their TV viewing, such as the ability to:

-- Easily record a program to watch at a later time -- with literally just one touch of a button, a Cox DVR customer can instantaneously record what's on right now, or schedule the recording of a future program. -- Pause and rewind live TV -- gone are the days of missing key moments in favorite programs due to unexpected phone calls or knocks at the door; the Cox DVR allows a viewer to stop the action and pick it up minutes or hours later, without missing a scene. -- Easily record programs even when you're not at home -- with up to 50 hours of capacity on the DVR hard disk, a Cox DVR customer can record a week's worth of favorite shows without having to worry about switching tapes, or recording over something else. -- Watch a recorded program while simultaneously recording two live programs on different channels -- with two tuners, the Cox DVR lets customers enjoy their favorite programs, even if they're on at the same time. -- Watch two programs at the same time with the Picture in Picture (PIP) function -- the Cox DVR gives customers PIP functionality, without having to buy an expensive new television set.

In Gainesville, Cox is deploying the Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 8000 digital video recorder, which functions as the customer's all-in-one digital cable set-top box and DVR. In order to enjoy Cox DVR service, customers must subscribe to Cox Digital Cable. In Gainesville, DVR service is $9.95 per month, in addition to the customer's digital cable service. The integrated DVR set-top box is leased for the same price as the standard digital set-top box. As Cox rolls out DVR service to other markets, prices and promotions may vary.

"Customer reaction to our technical trials has been extremely positive," said Mike Giampietro, vice president and general manager of Cox Central Florida. "Once the customer uses this technology, they are quick to embrace it. What we've heard from customers is that they love being able to record The Sopranos on HBO on Sunday night while watching a live football or baseball game on ESPN."

Elander agrees, "We believe that our customers will respond very favorably to our DVR service as we are making it easier than ever before for customers to enjoy what this technology can do." With Cox DVR service, customers avoid the upfront expense of buying a standalone DVR, or an integrated satellite DVR system. Also, DVR service from Cox is simpler to use and operate than standalone DVR products that involve separate program guides and require connection to a telephone line. Relative to satellite providers, Cox also has the advantage of bringing customers the local content that they might be interested in viewing - at no additional charge.

Cox plans additional deployments of DVR service in 2003. More information will be available later this year.

Acerca de Cox Communications

Cox Communications (NYSE: COX), a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications company serving approximately 6.3 million customers nationwide. Cox is the nation's fourth-largest cable television provider, and offers both traditional analog video programming under the Cox Cable brand as well as advanced digital video programming under the Cox Digital Cable brand. Cox provides an array of other communications and entertainment services, including local and long distance telephone under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the brands Cox High Speed Internet and Cox Express; and commercial voice and data services via its affiliate Cox Business Services, LLC. Cox is an investor in programming networks including Discovery Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com/espanol.

CONTACT: Cox Communications, Atlanta David Grabert, 404/269-7054