Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Fri, January 30, 2009
Thu, January 29, 2009 International Datacasting Corporation: PBS Selects International Datacasting Corporation for its Next-Generation Video Distribu
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 29, 2009) - International Datacasting Corporation (TSX:IDC) a global leader in providing advanced solutions for the distribution of broadband multimedia content via satellite, announced today that it has been selected by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to provide infrastructure for a next-generation satellite network to deliver non-real-time HD and SD video programming to PBS member stations across the US.
PBS and IDC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) launching the "alpha" phase of the project which includes the installation and configuration of head-end transmission equipment and deployment of an initial group of receive sites. The next phase, roll-out to the 177 Public TV downlinks in the field, is expected to move forward in the first quarter of 2009. Content, including file-based HDTV programming, will be distributed using IDC's SuperFlex broadband DVB/S2-IP satellite datacasting system and the Datacast XD Content Management and Distribution software. IDC will also be providing expanded Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers as part of the receive site kits.
"This network is the culmination of years of research and work. It will enable PBS to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality HD programming and introduce efficiencies to make the system significantly more flexible and cost-effective," said John McCoskey, Chief Technology Officer of PBS.
"IDC was selected after a long and thorough competition which included extensive technical testing. IDC's strong technical platform and technical team make the company a good partner for us as we take this important step," added Jerry Butler, Senior Director for PBS' NGIS.
"We are delighted to be associated with this prestigious network. PBS' reputation for technology leadership and thoroughness makes this a particular honor and reflects well on our products and team. Video content delivery is an important market for us and this helps underscore that we have the right products as the revolution in advanced video distribution picks up momentum," said IDC President and CEO Ron Clifton.
About PBS
PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans - from every walk of life - the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches more than 115 million people on-air and online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at [ www.pbs.org ], one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.
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.
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.
