Sega Tests Cable Net Service

Sega Enterprises Ltd., the Japanese video game firm, said it has partnered with 30 cable network operators to roll out a high-speed cable Internet service in Asia that uses the company’s Dreamcast home gaming console. The commercial service, being tested this week, is expected to debut in Japan by summer, officials said. Sega has also said it wants to start selling the machine to elementary schools nationwide as a low-cost device for sending and receiving e-mail. Sega may also pursue a similar cable television alliance in the U.S., officials said. Analysts say the partnerships help Sega find an edge over rivals Sony Corp., the world’s largest video game maker, and Nintendo Co, the No. 2 maker. Both are pushing to put out video game players with online capabilities. Sega’s Dreamcast includes an analog modem--developed by Newport Beach chip maker Conexant Systems Inc.--that allows for dial-up Internet access and gaming. With the trial service, Sega officials said the company will sell its Dreamcast machine with an adapter to allow for connection to cable Internet access.