Executives peer into future; disagree over cost, timing of predicted 500 channels. (Western Cable Show) (Brief Article)

Disagree over cost, timing of predicted 500 channels

It could be five to 15 years before consumers have access to hundreds of channels, and it's really not clear what they will pay for the expanded capabilities, according to a freewheeling opening panel session of top media executives at the Western Cable Show.

Tele-Communications Inc. President John Malone was bullish on the rollout of hundreds of channels, saying that many subscribers will have access to 500 channels within five years.

Deployment will be fast because of competition between the cable and telco industries to wire the home, he said, but "no cable company will find itself without some …