CableVision launched two video game packages that can be played over their new digital cable service.

The games are being offered for a free trial until July 1.

General manager Jeremy Elmas gave a demonstration at CableVision HQ, playing some of the games on channel 600 on a designated screen Mr. Elmas called a ?games portal?.

He used the buttons of a cable television remote control.

There are three packages to pick at a cost of $6 a month per package: Arcade, Logic and Variety.

Now there are only eight games to play, but Mr. Elmas said that 28-30 games would soon be available.

The first game Mr. Elmas tested was ?Alien Outbreak? a two-dimensional shooter that is reminiscent of Space Invaders for the Atari but with better graphics.

?Beetle Junior? is another platform game available with the Arcade package.

The Logic package included ?Pipes?, which is like Tetris, but involves linking falling pieces of pipe together.

Mr. Elmas said that with their new fibre-optic technology ?we will add more entertainment options of this kind as well as two-way, interactive services?.

To begin with, CableVision has formed an alliance with Zodiac Gaming, a company that develops, publishes and distributes video games that are played using a remote control, from a cable set-top box.

Bermuda has followed the path of CableVision New York, which has also formed a partnership with Zodiac in the US.

Digital cable is now available in Smith?s Parish.