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International Datacasting Corporation: International Datacasting Corporation to Provide Turnkey BTV Network for Mexico's Banort

^{Published on 2009-01-22 14:35:27, Last Modified on 2009-01-22 14:36:58 - Market Wire}
 

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 22, 2009) - International Datacasting Corporation, (TSX:IDC), a global leader in advanced solutions for broadband multimedia content distribution via satellite, along with its partner Grupo Etercom S.A. de C.V. announced that they have been selected to provide a next-generation corporate training and digital signage network to Grupo Financiero Banorte, one of Mexico's largest and most prestigious financial institutions with over 950 branches throughout the country.

This turnkey system will modernize the Banorte "BANORTV" network, migrating it from a legacy MPEG-2 business television system to state-of-the-art DVB-S2 and MPEG4-AVC technology. The migration will improve quality and reduce operating costs while greatly increasing the network's flexibility and capacity to deliver content to everything from television monitors and kiosks to back-office computer desktops.

The network will be powered by IDC's SuperFlex broadband satellite IP multicasting technology and Datacast XD, IDC's flagship content management and distribution software. The system configuration for Banorte features streaming video and audio along with "store & forward" functionality so programming can be delivered both live (real-time) and in the form of files (non-real-time) for playback on demand and/or via a playlist.

While the value of the order was not disclosed for competitive reasons, the initial rollout to more than three hundred sites represents the first phase of the project which is expected to expand further this year.

Grupo Etercom, IDC's longtime value-added partner in Mexico, will be responsible for upgrading the network's RF infrastructure, as well as the nationwide deployment of the receive sites and ongoing service as BANORTV expands and grows.

"In selecting a new network, our priority has been to maximize operational efficiency and flexibility. It is important that the solution allows for centralized administration and management, as well as customized addressability of content for each remote site. We were looking for a technology partner with expertise in DVB-S2/MPEG-4 systems as well as experience in deploying a nation-wide network here in Mexico. The Grupo Etercom/IDC team with their many years of experience and success in Mexico is a perfect fit," said Soledad Solana Ramirez, Distance Learning Manager from Banorte.

"Etercom is very pleased to be rolling out another SuperFlex network in Mexico adding to the prestigious list of corporate, educational, and government institutions using IDC solutions across the country," added Fernando Ceballos Betancourt, General Director of Grupo Etercom.

"We are very honoured to have been selected by Banorte for their BTV network. IDC excels at providing flexible, cost-efficient networks to drive multiple applications like training and digital signage," Ron Clifton, IDC President and CEO continued. "It's a particular pleasure to work with Grupo Etercom on this -- they are an excellent example of the first-class partners we have internationally that enable us to offer our customers leading-edge technology as well as local experience and frontline support. It's a win/win combination," he added.

About Banorte:

Grupo Financiero Banorte is the only large bank in Mexico that is not controlled by a foreign financial institution. It ranks fifth in terms of assets and has a market capitalization of over US$8.0 billion at the close of June 2008. Currently, it ranks fourth in terms of loans, having a 12% market share, and fifth in terms of deposits, having a 13% market share. Banorte offers a full range of banking services, insurance, long-term savings, leasing, factoring and micro lending services, serving nearly 13 million customers, of which 6.5 belong to the Bank, 3.3 million to the Afore (Pension Funds) and 3.2 million to the Insurance Company. The Bank provides an extensive range of commercial and consumer banking activities through its nationwide footprint, consisting of over 1,000 branches, nearly 4,000 ATMs and around 100 micro lending branches. Banorte also has presence in the US Hispanic market through Inter National Bank (INB), based in Texas, and the remittances companies, Motran and Uniteller, based in California and New Jersey, respectively. For more information, visit the website: [ www.banorte.com ].

About International Datacasting Corporation (IDC):

International Datacasting Corporation, (TSX:IDC) is a global leader in providing advanced solutions for the distribution of broadband content via satellite. IDC is at the forefront of delivering IP-based datacasting solutions via satellite and content distribution technologies with installations in more than 100 countries worldwide. IDC's products are in demand for radio and television broadcast networks, distance learning, digital signage, digital cinema, IPTV distribution and other content distribution applications. IDC is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, operates in Europe through its wholly owned subsidiary PROFline B.V. in Arnhem, the Netherlands and has an established international network of value-added partners and distributors.

About Grupo Etercom:

Grupo Etercom, founded in 1994, is an integrator of solutions for telecommunications systems known for proven experience, quality of products, reliability and efficiency for its clients. Grupo Etercom distributes and integrates prestigious brands for the satellite communications and radio broadcasting industries as well as providing parts, repairs, and in-country customer service. Etercom specializes in integrating the latest available technology and applications.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive developments, risks associated with IDC's growth, the development of the satellite datacasting market, regulatory risks, intellectual property infringement and other factors. IDC assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect IDC's financial and business results is included in the public documents IDC files from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.