david first word i've seen ofthe newbridge system. no definites on the
integrated mpeg card maker. any ideas ? w katz is this kind of system
something that you would use for your human body multimedia?who would
this be targeted at. strictly educational research markets?
NEWBRIDGE ATM-BASED PRODUCTS ENABLE SERVICE
PROVIDERS TO DELIVER MORE EFFICIENT, VALUE-ADDED
SERVICES FOR DISTANCE LEARNING AND OTHER HIGH
GROWTH MULTIMEDIA MARKETS
New Integrated MPEG2 card provides high quality video capabilities for
Newbridge 36150 MainStreet ATM Access Switch
HERNDON, VA, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - Newbridge Networks announced today the
availability of the industry's first integrated MPEG2 (Motion Picture Experts
Group) card for the Newbridge(R) 36150 MainStreet(R) Access Switch that
increases bandwidth efficiency for Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based
video services. Enhancing the 36150 MainStreet switch to provide high-quality
MPEG2 video capabilities greatly strengthens the Newbridge solution set for
Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) applications. Newbridge Networks offers a
complete range of high performance ATM networking solutions, including the
industry leading 36150 and 36170 MainStreet ATM switches, that enable service
providers to address customer needs for sophisticated video-based solutions to
enhance educational programs.
The availability of integrated MPEG2 capabilities in the 36150 MainStreet
ATM switch eliminates the need for external add-ons and simplifies network
management. With the Newbridge IDL solution, service providers can offer
end-to-end, value-added distance learning services. The 36150 MainStreet
switch inherently supports point-to-multipoint connections with its broadcast
matrix switch architecture, facilitating IDL and other applications which
require point-to-multipoint connectivity.
``Newbridge Networks is really ahead of the curve in the distance
learning market,'' said Curtis Price of International Data Corporation. ``The
integral MPEG2 capability is a vital step in maintaining a lead position in
the education arena. The video services provided by the enhanced 36150
MainStreet switch provide a way for service providers to truly differentiate
their services.''
As competition increases, service providers require end-to-end networking
solutions to help them deliver a wide range of applications more quickly and
cost-effectively. One such service provider is iSCAN, a consortium of 22
independent telephone companies which provides value-added services to
businesses, education authorities and hospitals throughout South Carolina via
a broadband network consisting of Newbridge 36150 MainStreet and 36170
MainStreet ATM switches.
``In South Carolina, the need for distance learning facilities is
increasing at an incredible rate. Recent government mandates have identified
distance learning as a key to opening up educational opportunities in
languages and technology that will ultimately attract new business to the
state,'' said Gary Williams of iSCAN. ``Our newest challenge is to relieve the
strain on bandwidth availability that all of the new distance learning
facilities have created. Newbridge Networks has solved this problem with MPEG2
capabilities on the 36150 MainStreet switch which will enable us to better
manage bandwidth requirements and provide superior quality video services
which are critical in a teaching environment.''
With the enhanced 36150 MainStreet ATM access switch, service providers
can offer premium video services more cost-effectively because MPEG2 reduces
overall network bandwidth requirements. The Integral MPEG2 card allows for
higher video compression rates while maintaining superior broadcast quality so
that less bandwidth is used. The Newbridge ATM video solution supports
Variable Bit Rate (VBR) service for further bandwidth efficiency that benefits
end users as well as the service providers.
``Education is a hot topic and gaining a great deal of attention both
locally and nationally. Newbridge Networks is in a strong position to take
advantage of the rapidly expanding education market because of our
leading-edge technology and established relationships with service
providers,'' said Irfan Ali, Vice President of Marketing for Newbridge
Networks. ``With a suite of top-ranked ATM switches, integrated MPEG2
capabilities, and relationship with our affiliate Starvision Multimedia
Corporation, Newbridge Networks offers service providers the most complete
distance learning solutions available today.''
Newbridge Networks is currently offering a `video mux package' that
includes a complete suite of customer premise IDL equipment to simplify the
ordering process and offer significant cost savings. The 36150 MainStreet ATM
switch supports vital IDL capabilities such as Closed Caption Support for the
hearing impaired. It also provides an RS-232 low speed serial interface for
controlling remote cameras from a central location so users can zoom, pan,
tilt and focus remote cameras to achieve the best possible conditions for
interactive distance learning sessions.
The industry leading 36170 MainStreet Backbone Switch, part of the
comprehensive suite of Newbridge ATM and frame relay products, is also helping
carriers meet growing customer demands by providing the increased bandwidth
and performance needed to run high-quality, bandwidth-intensive video and
multimedia applications.
To further enhance its range of IDL solutions, Newbridge Networks has
teamed with affiliate Starvision Multimedia Corporation to provide end-to-end
turn-key ATM-based video solutions. The Starvision applications and services,
which include StarEd(TM) for distance education, and StarMed(TM), a multimedia
conferencing application for the telemedicine market, complement the rich
features and interfaces available on the 36170 MainStreet Backbone Switch and
the 36150 MainStreet Access Switch. The StarEd product includes a
sophisticated scheduling program that works seamlessly through the Newbridge
46020 MainStreet Network Management platform to automatically set up and tear
down video connections.
Newbridge Networks (www.newbridge.com) is the global leader in ATM and
Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) systems, according to independent research.
The company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and servicing a
comprehensive family of networking products and systems that delivers the
power of multimedia communications to organizations in more than 100 countries
throughout the world. Newbridge products are the choice of an expanding range
of customers which includes most of the world's 200 largest telecommunications
service providers, and over 10,000 corporations, government organizations, and
other institutions. The company has facilities throughout Canada, the United
States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.
Newbridge Networks Corporation is a public company whose common shares
are listed for trading on the Now York Stock Exchange (NN) and on The Toronto
Stock Exchange (NNC) in Canada. |
