The joint venture between iVAST, Inc., Pioneer Corporation (NYSE: PIO), Sharp Corporation (6753.JP), National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM), Sigma Designs (Nasdaq: SIGM), CMC Magnetics (2323.TW), and Modern VideoFilm, was formed to provide MPEG-4 based infrastructure and content for the cable industry. These seven companies will collaborate on the development of an MPEG-4 based technology solution, which will allow cable operators to fulfill the promise of advanced broadband services.
To ensure that the new company's solution will meet the specific technical requirements of the cable industry, Comcast Cable Communications will provide the technical support to define the architectural requirements. Comcast will also test the initial production systems in the field early next year.
"By enabling a cost-effective solution for enhanced services, iVAST's software creates new revenue opportunities for cable operators," said Elliot Broadwin, CEO of iVAST. "Due to the breakthrough efficiency and interactivity that MPEG-4 provides, consumers can enjoy expanded choices for entertainment, ranging from DVD-on-demand to personalized content delivery."
The venture is working together to deliver revolutionary capabilities to the cable industry, based on the combined technologies of its participants. The MPEG-4 architecture offers the following advantages:
"Comcast is continuously investigating new technologies that will enhance its service offering to customers," said Brad Dusto, chief technology officer of Comcast Cable. "The e-Box approach of providing an end-to-end solution promises to provide us with a complete package to deliver new and exciting video services. We are looking forward to working with the consortium to help define and test the new system."
Each member of the joint venture will provide products and services reflecting their area of expertise. iVAST will provide the encoding, authoring, distribution, playback and system software for MPEG-4 based movie and video entertainment content with embedded interactive features. Pioneer and Sharp will contribute their knowledge of cable infrastructures, head-end equipment and digital set-top boxes to support the new system. National Semiconductor will provide silicon processors for the advanced set-top boxes based on its Geode™ technology. Sigma Designs will provide MPEG-4 decoder and video processing technologies for the advanced set-top boxes. CMC Magnetics will provide manufacturing expertise for the design and development of head-end equipment and set-top boxes. Modern VideoFilm will provide post-production services and MPEG-4 compression and authoring. In addition, the company will provide the hub for the various "Movie on Demand" and other MPEG-4 encoded entertainment content that will be offered by the new platform. Comcast will provide technical support to define the architectural requirements and conduct field trials on the initial production systems early next year.
About iVAST
iVAST is the world leader in end-to-end MPEG-4 solutions. The iVAST MPEG-4 Platform builds on the success of MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 open standards by revolutionizing the distribution of interactive audio/video content across broadband and broadcast networks. For the entertainment, enterprise and education markets, iVAST generates new business opportunities through the secure delivery of digital media, worldwide. iVAST is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and offers creative services through its Studio in Los Angeles. For more information, please visit www.ivast.com.
More information about the other participants in the e-BOX joint venture is available in the e-BOX release also issued today.
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Toton
iVAST, Inc.
(408) 496-0671
jt@ivast.com
Margaret Huang
(for iVAST)
Landis Communication
(415) 561-0888 x. 2307
margaret@landispr.com
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