ADB Announces Interoperability with VC-1, the Proposed SMPTE Standard Video Codec Based on Windows Media Video 9

ADB Announces Interoperability with VC-1, the Proposed SMPTE Standard Video Codec Based on Windows Media Video 9

GENEVA, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Digital Broadcast ( http://www.adbglobal.com/ ), a leading supplier of digital TV systems and software solutions for interactive television, today announces interoperability of its set-top box (STB) platforms with Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1).

"ADB is pleased to announce that it has achieved the successful implementation of the Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) codec within its 3100W product," commented Philippe Lambinet, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Digital Broadcast. "ADB's successful completion of interoperability testing with Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) facilitates a wider choice for the operator in the drive towards an open market."

The 3100W STB incorporates the Texas Instruments' TMS320 Digital Signal Processor (DSP), allowing ADB to implement new video and audio codecs to meet early time to market requirements.

"Microsoft is very excited about ADB's adoption of Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) for its award-winning 3100W ITPV set-top-box platform," said Kevin Unangst, Director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft Corp. "ADB's commitment to delivering the quality and compression offered by VC-1 will drive rapid advances in digital entertainment experiences."

Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) is an important technological development, allowing operators to make more effective use of bandwidth within the distribution of television services. Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) will allow operators to run networks with greater efficiency, allowing more television services to be transmitted in the same space, while also providing cost- effective provision for high-bandwidth services such as High Definition Television (HDTV).

ADB's 3100W platform collected first prize for the category of 'Best Customer Premise Technology' and was runner-up in 'Best Interactive TV Applications or Technology' at the annual Cable & Satellite International, Product of the Year Awards in 2004. The 3100W STB enables reception of digital television transmitted over telecommunications networks, allowing consumers to receive broadcast and Video on Demand (VoD) based services. The STB is available with a flexible choice of middleware, browser and conditional access system, depending on operators' individual requirements.

This collaboration reinforces ADB's policy of working with the most advanced technology suppliers to bring interoperable and open solutions to market. ADB will incorporate Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) into future products within its technology road-map.

ADB's 3100W set-top box incorporating Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) can be seen at the Microsoft booth (SL 332) at this year's NAB2005 show, taking place April 16-21, 2005 in Las Vegas, USA (exhibits open April 18).

About ADB

Advanced Digital Broadcast ( http://www.adbglobal.com/ ), founded in 1995, provides a diverse range of high quality products and services to the digital broadcast and broadband markets world-wide. Since releasing its first unit in 1997 the company has deployed over 5 million set-top boxes across high-volume markets incorporating a wide range of middleware, conditional access and hardware configurations.

ADB, with headquarters in Switzerland, has facilities in Australia, Israel, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States. The great majority of ADB's staff, totalling 442, are development engineers, creating products that are universally recognized as the industry's best, both for current and future generation broadcast technology.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Advanced Digital Broadcast

CONTACT: Europe, Denise Kennedy, Marketing Communications of Advanced Digital Broadcast, +41 22 799 07 99, Fax: +41 22 799 07 90, or USA, Henry Walton, Marketing Communications of Advanced Digital Broadcast, +1-773-795-9726, Fax: +1-773-797-9728

Web site: http://www.adbglobal.com/

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