Microsoft No Threat to Cable, Gates Says

Microsoft Corp. isn’t trying to control the pipeline for delivering data, video and other services to consumers’ homes, Chairman Bill Gates told cable television industry representatives.

“There’s no need for paranoia,” Gates said to a packed audience at the opening of the National Cable Television Assn.’s annual convention.

Gates gave a ringing endorsement to cable as the best way to deliver Internet, video and other new technologies into the home. He demonstrated to the audience how the Windows CE system could help customers search for TV programs, download data from the Internet, and combine e-mail with photographs and video.

Still, he tried to reassure cable companies they would be calling the shots because they’ll decide what information the set-top boxes will give customers. Microsoft’s brand doesn’t show through to the consumers, unless the cable company chooses, he said.

“We are an enabler” for customers to get the new, advanced applications and technologies delivered right into their homes, Gates said. Cable companies themselves will be in the “driver’s seat,” he said.