Full Service Network was a digital video trial performed by Time Warner in Orlando, Florida which launched on December 14, 1994 and lasted for 18 months. During that time, 4,000 customers had free access to the interactive digital system, which included a selection of custom services for video-on-demand, shopping, games, program guide and US Postal Service functions.
Technology partners in the venture included some high profile vendors.
Investors in the system at the time included Time-Warner Inc., US West, Toshiba and ITOCHU (the world's largest trading group).
It was deemed an expensive failure because of the high cost of set-top boxes, which were SGI Indy workstations with turnkey software, connected using ATM networking. The rise of the Internet also rendered many of the shopping and online services obsolete.
The FSN is the first trial to use server-based technology with a cable network to deliver video movies and games on-demand, as well as home shopping and other interactive services.
Network Computing's Christine Hudgins-Bonafield explores whether a $500 cable client is feasible given Time-Warner's experiences.
What you are looking at with the FullServiceNetwork, the box we are using today, is the testing of services you'll use two years from now.
A fullservice car wash indicates that in addition to simple washing your vehicle, the attendants will wash the interior glass, vacuum the interior and clean the seats.
Fullservice is usually used by a massage parlour or outcall service to indicate that the individuals working as adult service providers will provide sexual intercourse.
A fullservice rest area is one that offers a gas station, food, rest rooms and other amenities for travelers.
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