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             ExpressVu ANNOUNCES DTH SYSTEM PRICE
       ExpressVu Inc.  has revealed the price of the
ExpressVu DISH Network set-top box and dish that will be
available later this summer.Three digital set-top boxes_The
3500, 4500 and 5000 models_with a remote control and a 60 cm
(24'') dish, will be priced from $599 to $999.
     The 3500 model ($599 ) includes basic system features
such as: MPEG-2/DVB compliance, interconnection with digital
videodisc players, VCRs and data communication networks; a
high-speed data port; system software upgradeable via
satellite;
     The 4500 model ($749) includes the basic system
features and a UHF universal remote
     The 5000 ($999) features a local link which allows the
Electronic Program Guide to include local programming
listings and switching between satellite TV and local
programming.
     ExpressVu also has signed retail agreements with
another four of Canada's leading retailers_Future Shop, The
North West Company, Sears and Wal-Mart Canada.
     In May, the company announced retail partnerships with
Aventure Electronique, The Bay, Bell Mobility, Kmart, London
Drugs, Real Canadian Superstores and True Value Hardware
Stores to sell the ExpressVu DISH Network system.
 Guy Lanni named vice president at  Columbia Communications
     Guy J. Lanni has been appointed vice president at
Columbia Communications Corporation.
     Most recently, Lanni has been a telecommunications
consultant to several firms.  He also served as vice
president of PanAmSat's Digital Network Division.  Prior to
PanAmSat, he held a key sales management position at MCI.
     Columbia Communications markets its SkyWay family of
domestic, international and maritime telecommunications via
the COLUMBIA/TDRSS Satellite System with two spacecraft over
the AOR (Atlantic Ocean Region) and one stationed over the
POR (Pacific Ocean Region).
               CRTC aprroves four new services
Canal Indigo
     Canal Indigo has received approval for a new  nation
video-on-demand service. The Commission approved the
application for a broadcasting licence for a national,
digital, French-language video-on-demand (VOD) programming
undertaking. The service will be delivered, via satellite or
other links, to affiliated terrestrial distribution
undertakings, and onwards to individual subscribers.
     Canal Indigo S.E.N.C. (Canal Indigo) is a general
partnership of four Canadian  broadcasting groups: the
Partners of Viewer's Choice Canada (VCC), having a 40%
partnership interest; and Cogeco Radio-Television inc.
(Cogeco), Reseau de Television Quatre Saisons inc. (Quatre
Saisons), and Tele-Metropole inc. (Tele-Metropole), each
with a 20% partnership interest. The partners currently hold
licences to carry on a national pay-per-view (PPV) and a
national direct-to-home (DTH) PPV undertaking, both
operating in the French language.
Viewer's Choice Canada
     Viewer's Choice Canada, has been approved for a new
national video-on-demand service. The Commission approved
the application for a broadcasting licence for a national,
digital, English-language video-on-demand (VOD) programming
undertaking.
Alliance/Shaw
     Following a Public Hearing in the National Capital
Region beginning on 17 March 1997, the Commission has
approved the application for a broadcasting licence for a
national, digital, English- and French-language video-on-
demand (VOD) programming undertaking. The applicant is to be
operated as a General Partnership between Alliance
Communications Corporation (Alliance) and Shaw
Communications Inc. (Shaw), each having a 50% interest.
Alliance is Canada's largest independent film and television
production and distribution company. Its current broadcast
holdings include controlling interests in two specialty
television programming undertakings.
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