Concurrent Computer Corporation Develops Network Capabilities for Personal TV On-Demand Offerings
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 1999--
VOD Leader Provides Server-Based Features to Enable Pause, Rewind, and Record Of Broadcast TV
Concurrent Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:CCUR) announced today that it has developed core technology that provides a Personal Video Channel (PVC) feature to its MediaHawk(TM) video server line. The PVC is an important feature that will help cable MSO customers widen their interactive, TV on-demand offerings.
Concurrent's XSTREME Division, a leading provider of Video-On-Demand (VOD) equipment, already enables features like fast forward, rewind, and pause on pre-recorded video material. Now, Concurrent is taking the next logical step in its VOD product evolution by adding pause, record and rewind features to broadcast television.
The end result: all the flexibility of a home-based TV storage device, but with the efficiencies inherent to centralized storage and network control.
The breakthrough happens by creating a session between digital set-top boxes, or PC-based clients, with the MediaHawk video server. The subscriber can record or pause a broadcast TV event and play it back at his/her convenience. Concurrent and its wholly owned subsidiary, Vivid Technology, already work with a range of digital set-tops, including set-tops made by Scientific-Atlanta Inc., General Instrument, Pioneer, and Samsung. Concurrent servers also support a number of PC-based mediaplayers including Microsoft's Mediaplayer (TM) for desktop viewing of video.
With the use of real-time MPEG-2 encoding of live or broadcast TV material, coupled with Concurrent's product offerings for digital video storage and streaming, the MediaHawk video server line becomes a one-stop-shop for a complete TV on-demand solution.
"These additional capabilities for provisioning TV on-demand will allow MSOs to grow their arsenal of competitive advantages against DBS providers," said Steve Nussrallah, President and Chief Operating Officer of Concurrent Computer.
With the PVC feature, cable customers in a system utilizing MediaHawk servers will be able to "make appointments" with their favorite shows and mark them for future playback - an important plus for cable networks who will suddenly "know" anticipated viewership in advance. The PVC feature also enables customers to pause a broadcast TV program (to answer the phone or otherwise take a break from viewing) and then continue viewing the program as if it were still "live" and therefore not miss any of the program. Additionally, customers can rewind to catch a replay of a notable visual event; much like what a VCR or DVD player can do today.
Steve Nussrallah explained: "Concurrent recognizes the need to provide its customers with technology that enables them to be on the forefront of the TV revolution currently underway. TV viewers are demanding that technology and TV content be delivered to reflect their busy schedules and, more importantly, their appetites for instant viewing by providing the right programs, shows, and movies at the right time."
Concurrent's network-based PVC offering has several benefits over existing technology currently sold at retail outlets as standalone set-top boxes or personal video recorders:
1. Operators can manage their subscriber's PVC storage more
efficiently but it is centralized. Also Cable systems can offer
virtually unlimited storage to individual subscribers. In today's
environment, subscribers are limited to the amount of storage
typically available with their set-top boxes or with the personal
video recorders unit they purchased. In most cases, these devices
can only record a few hours of storage before they are out of
capacity.
2. Network based deployments are not as prone to technology
obsolescence as are the in home units.
3. Subscribers do not have to have another device in the home to
enjoy the service. The technology being offered leverages digital
set-top boxes currently being deployed to subscribers.
About Concurrent
Concurrent Computer Corporation (http://www.ccur.com), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading provider of high-performance computer systems, software and servers. Concurrent Computer Corporation's XSTREME Division is a leading supplier in the emerging digital video server marketplace. This market includes the broadband/cable, corporate training, education, hospitality, and in-flight entertainment industries. Operating in 32 countries worldwide, Concurrent provides sales and support from offices throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional company or product information form Concurrent Computer Corporation, please contact Concurrent Computer Corporation, 4375 River Green Parkway, Duluth, Georgia, 30096. Readers can also access information through the company's web site at ccur.com.
Concurrent Computer Corporation is a registered trademark and MediaHawk is a trademark of Concurrent Computer Corporation. All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Concurrent Computer Corporation, Atlanta
Andrea Ariza, (Media)
678/258-4070
andrea.ariza@mail.ccur.com
or
Concurrent Computer Corporation, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Beth Alonzo, (Analysts/Investors)
954/973-5100
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