• by Fern Siegel , August 1, 2007

Cablevision is launching a tech-focused interactive channel in partnership with CNET. "CNET TV - Powered By Optimum" is available on demand to iO digital cable customers. The free channel gives the gadget-happy product reviews, breaking tech news and how-to advice. It is also airing CNET's popular tech shows, like the "Top 5," "Insider Secrets" and "Prize Fight."

"CNET TV - Powered By Optimum" carries several hours of programming, broken into more than 100 titles for iO customers. The content will be refreshed and updated each month. The service is ad-supported and available to Cablevision's iO customers with no additional charge.

Said Joe Gillespie, executive vice president at CNET: "This is a terrific extension of our existing distribution, both on the Web and on TV." Dermot McCormack, Cablevision's senior vice president of interactive product management, says the deal clicks with the target demo. "We are pleased to deliver this valuable content to our digital cable customers through ... interactive television, particularly since CNET is focused on covering the kinds of devices our customers use."

With more than 2.5 million iO digital cable customers, 80% of Cablevision's cable television customers are digital customers, with access to video on demand and interactive TV services.