Minerva Systems, SGI and C-Cube Combine Forces to Deliver Professional Video
Applications Over Broadband IP Networks
Business Editors and High Tech Writers
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 1999--
Vendors to Offer Integrated, Broadcast-Quality Video Encoding,
Streaming, Storage and Playback
Minerva Systems today announced a combined effort aimed at the
development of video encoding, storage, streaming and playback
environments for the rapid deployment of broadband video applications
over IP networks.
Minerva will leverage C-Cube's video codec processing technology
for the release of a new version of its Video Network Platform(TM)
(VNP-100) optimized for streaming video over the broadband Internet
and corporate Intranets. SGI is currently working to integrate the
VNP-100 into the SGI(TM) MediaBase video server to enable the seamless
integration of encoding, storage, streaming and playback of live and
pre-encoded video content.
The integration of the VNP-100 and SGI MediaBase will provide
customers with a complete environment for the rapid development of
"video rich" applications such as learning-on-demand, surveillance,
corporate training, business television and media archiving and
management.
"The new Minerva VNP-100 is the first professional network
encoder optimized for low bitrate applications," says Reed Majors,
Director of Product Marketing for Minerva's Video Networking business.
"Its integration with SGI MediaBase makes it easy for customers to
quickly and cost-effectively develop a wide range of applications."
The Minerva VNP-100 incorporates the DVxpert video codec from
C-Cube Microsystems. This powerful, single-chip video codec
(encoder/decoder) is optimized for encoding high quality MPEG video
over a wide range of bitrates, from as low as 56Kbps up to 15Mbps.
C-Cube's DVxpert video codec will enable the Minerva/SGI solutions to
minimize bandwidth while maintaining the highest image quality.
SGI MediaBase has over 50,000 MPEG streams installed worldwide.
MediaBase is a scalable standards-based product that supports
RealAudio(R), RealVideo(R), H.263, and MPEG-1 streams.
"MediaBase is known for its flexibility and scalability," said
Jason Danielson, Director of Product Management for Digital Media
Products, SGI. "By integrating with Minerva, we are leading the
industry in providing complete media streaming solutions for the
Internet and corporate intranets."
"By providing real-time control over video resolution, bitrates,
and latency, C-Cube's DVxpert provides the optimum solution for the
video networking market," said Bob Saffari, director of marketing for
broadcast and professional products for C-Cube's PC Codec Division.
"While everybody is talking about data and audio over IP, C-Cube,
Minerva and SGI are taking digital networks to a new level of
sophistication."
Pricing and Availability
The Minerva VNP-100, which features sophisticated Web-based
management, the latest in real-time operating systems, a powerful
embedded processor and C-Cube's DVxpert video codec, delivers
unsurpassed reliability and picture quality. Priced at $6,950, it is
the most cost-effective professional encoder for streaming
high-quality video over IP networks. The VNP-100 will be available for
shipment in May. Initial integration with SGI is expected to be
available in May, with complete integration scheduled for Q3 1999.
About Minerva Systems
Minerva Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of high-quality
MPEG-based digital video networking and publishing solutions.
Minerva's products are used in post-production facilities, DVD
replication facilities, telephone and cable television network
facilities, advertising agencies, educational institutions, and
corporations worldwide. Minerva is backed by leading venture capital
firms, including Accel Partners, Kodak Corporation's Aperture Fund,
Merrill Pickard, Anderson & Eyre, U.S. Ventures, and ETF. Minerva
Systems is headquartered at 1585 Charleston Road, Mountain View, CA,
94043. Tel.: 650/940-1383 Fax: 650/940-1450. Address on the World
Wide Web: minervasys.com
Note to Editors: The Minerva logo, Minerva VNP, and Minerva are
all registered trademarks of Minerva Systems, Inc. SGI is a trademark
of Silicon Graphics, Inc. ActiveX is a registered trademark and
DirectShow is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other brand
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
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