Streambox ACT‑L3 Video Transport Solutions Provide Incomparable Functionality, Flexibility, and Quality in Real-Time Distribution of WVPT Program Stream

SEATTLE — March 14, 2006 — Streambox, Inc., a leading supplier of real-time video over IP solutions for broadcasting, satellite, and cable, today announced that WVPT—Virginia’s Public Television, is using Streambox SBT3 encoding and decoding solutions to distribute real-time, broadcast programming to the Washington, D.C. market. The Streambox systems provide a cost-effective solution for transmitting high-quality video and audio over a dedicated LAN to Dish Network and DirecTV, the distribution channels for WVPT in the D.C. area.

“We tested six different codec sets using our ‘compression-buster’ test, and none of the other solutions came close to the quality and functionality provided by Streambox,” said Tony Mancari, chief operations officer at WVPT. “In addition to exceptional video quality, the Streambox systems offer real-time analog and digital outputs, as well as variable compression schemes up to 3 Mbps. Unlike other systems, the Streambox gear produced video with very few artifacts, passed closed captioning correctly, and provided flexible output options without the need for external conversion gear. It performed flawlessly.”
Signal interference prevented WVPT from using its over-the-air system to deliver an acceptable broadcast signal to the Washington/Hagerstown DMA. It also was unable to tap into a TV1 line to deliver to Dish Network or DirecTV operation terminals. To achieve the best results, WVPT opted for distribution through a dedicated LAN, comprised of bonded T1 copper land lines.

A single Streambox SBT3-7100 encoder installed at WVPT accepts the entire program stream, fed as an SDI input with embedded audio, and provides an analog or digital output as required for monitoring, recording or distribution. The encoder sends separate digital video signals to Dish Network and DirecTV points of presence, each of which is equipped with a Streambox SBT3-5100 decoder. The signal provided by the Streambox solution is unusually clean, enabling superior performance for recompression and delivery over satellite. Support for closed captioning transport helps WVPT meet FCC requirements. Genlock on output ensures smooth, accurate signal mixing.

The SBT3-7100 and SBT3-5100 systems are part of the Streambox ACT‑L3 Video Transport solutions that facilitate broadcast video over IP-based networks. Both systems are true 24/7 “plug-and-connect,” end-to-end, real-time transport solutions that deliver stunning full-motion, full-frame, interlaced, broadcast-quality video and audio over low data rate networks. “We have worked hard to develop products that meet the complex demands of broadcasters,” said Bob Hildeman, chairman and CEO of Streambox. “We continue to work closely with industry leaders to ensure that our solutions conform to the highest performance standards.”
With proprietary video compression technology optimized for interlaced and progressive display systems, this advanced encoder/decoder pair is capable of matching MPEG-2 video quality at a 75 percent lower data rate with up to 50 percent greater efficiency than MPEG-4 transport. The Streambox ACT-L3 codec can be configured to differing data rate requirements, and its advanced forward error-correction technology effectively overcomes packet loss to deliver real-time broadcast video over IP.

“We work with SD signals now, but the next realm for us is HD program distribution, and we’re already looking at ways to deliver HD content from our studios to cable providers in our area,” added Mancari. “Like any business, we return to those vendors that provide a product that meets our demands. As we move forward into the world of HD broadcasting, we’ll certainly be exploring the Streambox HD codec set.”

More information about Streambox solutions is available at www.streambox.com.

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About WVPT
WVPT has been the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia's public television station since 1968. One of the most accessible educational institutions in the region, WVPT uses the power of broadcasting to help carry out its mission of education, culture, and citizenship for everyone within its 29-county reach. Beyond an exciting mix of public broadcasting and locally produced programming, WVPT conducts groundbreaking literacy programs, science-related family events, morale-building awards projects, community assistance projects, educational seminars, and holiday galas. More information is available online at www.wvpt.net.

About Streambox
Streambox provides a single platform for all live and file-based video acquisition over IP. The company develops industry-leading solutions for encoding, video management, and play-out for broadcast and broadband based on the innovative ACT-L3™ codec. Our software-based solutions provide unrivaled performance, reliability, and video quality over low data rate wired and wireless IP networks. Streambox solutions enable broadcasters, government agencies, and enterprises and other users to enhance content ownership, simplify operations, and increase operational efficiencies. More information is available at www.streambox.com.

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