HLIT wins with DirecTV:
DIRECTV Signs Contract for Harmonic's Digital Compression Systems
DIRECTV To Deploy Hundreds of Harmonic MV50 Encoders by Year's End
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2001--Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT - news) today announced that DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading provider of digital satellite television service, will utilize Harmonic's advanced digital television solutions to broadcast additional local channels next year.
Harmonic's compression solution set, which includes hundreds of MV50 encoders and associated MediaNode multiplexers and THESYS network management, will enable DIRECTV to substantially expand its offering of local broadcast channels. DIRECTV today offers local channels in 41 metropolitan markets.
``Harmonic's technology has played an integral role in our ability to provide the widest offering of channels possible to more than 9.8 million DIRECTV customers across the U.S.,'' said Dave Baylor, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. ``Harmonic's solutions form the core of our digital compression systems in both our Los Angeles and Castle Rock Broadcast Centers. Selecting Harmonic for this project is a logical extension of our long-standing relationship.''
``DIRECTV provides a very compelling television service package, and we are pleased to play a role in further enhancing that offering,'' said Anthony Ley, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harmonic. ``We look forward to supporting DIRECTV's nationwide implementation goals.''
Flexible Encoding Solutions
The digital television solutions for this deployment -- which include Harmonic encoding, multiplexing and network management products -- will be located at regional sites throughout the U.S. Harmonic's newly announced MV50 encoder offers DIRECTV greater processing power and superior noise reduction. By providing high-quality pictures at consistently lower bit rates, the MV50 enables DIRECTV to save money by increasing network bandwidth efficiency. The MN20 multiplexer enables the combining and grooming of custom multiplexes of broadcast audio, video and associated data programming. The THESYS platform provides integrated and advanced element and network management. More information on Harmonic's advanced digital video solutions can be found at www.harmonicinc.com.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital satellite television service provider with more than 9.8 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. HUGHES is the world's leading provider of digital television entertainment, and satellite and wireless systems and services. The earnings of HUGHES, a unit of General Motors Corporation, are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock (NYSE:GMH - news). Visit DIRECTV on the World Wide Web at www.DIRECTV.com.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic is a leading provider of innovative broadband solutions that deliver video, voice and data to communications providers around the world. Harmonic's technically advanced fiber optic, digital video and IP data delivery systems enable network operators to provide a range of interactive and advanced digital services that include high-speed Internet access, telephony, digital video, HDTV, video & audio streaming, and video-on-demand.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Harmonic employs approximately 750 people and operates more than 15 R&D and sales & system integration centers globally. Harmonic's customer base includes the world's largest communications providers. Harmonic's stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol ``HLIT.'' For more information, check the company's website at www.harmonicinc.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, DIRECTV's utilization of Harmonic's advanced digital television solutions, the ability of DIRECTV to substantially expand its offering of local broadcast channels, Harmonic's support of DIRECTV's implementation goals, and the location of Harmonic's solutions, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in documents that Harmonic files with the SEC, including reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Note to Editors: Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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Contact:
Harmonic Inc., Sunnyvale
Joyce Smaragdis, 408/542-2692 (Public Relations)
joyce.smaragdis@harmonicinc.com
or
Aries MarketMasters
Dawn Danaher, 714/378-5841 (Public Relations)
danaher@keymaster.com
or
StreetConnect
Michael Newman, 408/542-2760 (Investor Relations)
mnewman@stct.com
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