Cox Communications and Comcast Corp. have signed deals with Austin, Texas-based Broadband Corp. and will begin limited marketing trials in the first quarter.

Broadband's SafeVillage service, which uses existing broadband capabilities to deliver home security systems featuring two-way audio and real-time video, will be available to Comcast's cable modem subscribers in the Sarasota, Fla., area and Cox's customers in Las Vegas.

The multiple system operators, both of which own a stake in Broadband, are the first to offer the advanced security service to their customers.

Cox conducted technical trials of the product last quarter in its Las Vegas system. The founders of Broadband were also the founders of Prime Cable, which sold the Las Vegas system to Cox a couple of years ago.

The primary objectives of the trial were to test the validity and reliability of the system, assess the upstream demands placed on the cable infrastructure and measure users' experience with this new technology, said Broadband COO Anthony Moreno. Results from the test allowed the company to develop a more robust and reliable product, he noted.

?Certain lifestyle and economic conditions in the U.S. are creating a growing desire for people to maintain a connection with their homes and families,? Dallas Clement, Cox's SVP-strategy and development, said in a prepared statement. ?We feel the SafeVillage service ? through its 24-hour professional monitoring and website with remote system access features and security-focused content ? will be a compelling product for our customers who want to check in on their homes and families at any time.?

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