Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services Completes Initial Phase of HDTV Transition for the Weather Channel

Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services Completes Initial Phase of HDTV Transition for the Weather Channel

NORTHVALE, N.J., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services, a global leader in design, engineering and systems integration for the electronic media and entertainment industry, today announced that it has accomplished a significant milestone in the development of a broadcast infrastructure to support the delivery of The Weather Channel programming in high-definition video.

Ascent Media has completed the first of two phases of a project central to the creation of The Weather Channel HDTV. The initial phase, which enabled the HD network to launch in October, includes broadcast system design and creation of an HD network origination space. This phase made it possible for the network to launch two native HD long-form series, Epic Conditions and Weatherventures, as well as dazzling new HD weather graphics for the "Local On The 8's" feature of programming.

Over the next several months, Ascent Media will complete the second stage of the project, creation of new file-based production facilities that can simplify and expedite content creation, as well new control rooms and the transition to new studio facilities that will be specifically designed to maximize the on-air look of HD production. The Weather Channel will add to the first phase of its native HD programming fare by presenting all live studio programming in HD by the end of 2008. The entire project with Ascent, including initial consulting, design, construction and integration, is on an 18-month timeline.

"The ability to render the weather in high-definition introduces a whole new dimension to our programming lineup and brings new value to our affiliates," said Ross Kalber, VP Engineering and IT Operations for The Weather Channel. "By combining Ascent Media's consulting, design and technical skills and HDTV expertise with our own background as the leading provider of weather programming and information, we are able now to offer viewers the most compelling view yet of the power of nature."

"The Weather Channel's pioneering approach has consistently earned it strong viewer ratings and high marks from subscribers for programming quality and relevance," said Tom Canavan, executive vice president of Ascent Media Network Services. "We've had a very successful relationship with the network during the early consulting phase. We are now working together -- from design details to final execution -- to implement technology that creates a new level of programming excellence."

Growing viewer interest in HDTV has been a driver behind increasing sales of display technologies, the single largest category of consumer electronics sales. According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), 2007 sales of display technologies are projected to reach $26 billion. The CEA forecasts that more than 30 million digital televisions will ship by the end of the current year.

About The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel's U.S. network, based in Atlanta, produces continuous, 24-hour national, regional and local weather-related video programming distributed by satellite to cable television systems and other video distributors, as well as to households with satellite receiver dishes. The network is received by more than 96 million households and can be seen in 97 percent of all cable TV homes nationwide. Weatherscan is The Weather Channel's all-local, all-the-time service, intended for distribution primarily on digital cable. It is in front of over 21.3 million cable households.

About Ascent Systems & Technology Services

Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services is a global leader in consulting, design engineering, and systems integration for broadcast, cable, Telco, satellite, broadband, government and other electronic media industries. With resources and associates throughout the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and active partnerships with local companies, customers are provided access to a wealth of technology-neutral expertise and services. Part of Ascent Media Network Services, this group has facilities and/or offices in London, UK; Dubai, UAE; and Munich, DE, and several strategic locations in the US. For further information, visit http://www.ascentmedia.com/systems.

About Ascent Media Group

Santa Monica, California-based Ascent Media Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , which, through its Creative Services and Network Services divisions, provides creative and technical media services to the media and entertainment industries. Through more than 75 facilities in California, New York, London, Singapore and other locations throughout the world, Ascent Media Group provides effective solutions for the creation, management and distribution of content to major motion picture studios, independent producers, broadcast networks, cable channels, advertising agencies and other companies that produce, own and/or distribute entertainment, news, sports, corporate, educational, industrial and advertising content. More information about Ascent Media Group is available at http://www.ascentmedia.com/.

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Source: Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services

CONTACT: Peggy Keegan, of PSPR, Inc., +1-202-236-1236, peggymk@aol.com,
for Ascent Media

Web site: http://www.ascentmedia.com/systems

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Profile: International Entertainment