To: Randy Ellingson who wrote (1178 ) 4/12/1999 4:39:00 PM From: Urlman Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1260
Smashing Pumpkins Concert Uses VTEL Internet Technology for Live Webcast; Broad Application of Java-Based Streaming Validates VTEL's Internet Technology Strengths Friday April 9, 1:45 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release SOURCE: VTEL Corporation AUSTIN, Texas, April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Java-based streaming video technology from VTEL Corporation (Nasdaq: VTEL - news) will help deliver the Smashing Pumpkins first live webcast this Saturday, April 10 at 10 p.m. EDT, from St. Andrews Hall in Detroit. Produced by Chicago-based GMV Network (www.gmvnetwork.com), the webcast also marks the launch of the alt rock band's official web site, www.smashingpumpkins.com, and their first tour as the original band since 1995. The live webcast will be available on the Smashing Pumpkins site, GMV Network and its affiliate sites. It can also be accessed via the VTEL web site (www.vtel.com). ''By using VTEL's Internet software technology, GMV Network is delivering one of the most accessible webcasts to the largest audience possible,'' explains Vinay Goel, VTEL vice president, Internet Visual Communications unit. ''When visitors log on using a Java-enabled browser, they will experience the easiest way to access video on the Internet today.'' GMV Network anticipates almost half a million viewers for the band's first webcast. The GMV Network has access to multiple nationwide fiber optic backbones, enabling it to deploy intelligent video streaming to a global audience in the most efficient and effective way possible today. ''Extending core technology licensed from Vosaic/VTEL, GMV Network has developed an efficient multimedia distribution and management system to facilitate live Internet video and audio with unparalleled quality of service,'' explained Michael Casey, chief technology officer at GMV Network. ''Plus, we enable the Smashing Pumpkins to distribute their content in a whole new way, using standards-based formats not requiring viewers to install client side plug-ins,'' said Casey. Following the live webcast, clips from the show will be posted to the Smashing Pumpkins' web site. The Smashing Pumpkins Detroit concert launches their highly anticipated ''The Arising!'' tour, following the release of the band's sixth album, Adore, on Virgin Records. This webcast is the first major Internet event utilizing VTEL's newly acquired video streaming technology developed by Vosaic, LLC, since VTEL acquired Vosaic last month. The acquisition is part of VTEL's strategy to integrate traditional videoconferencing and the Internet. The acquisition will enable videoconferencing users, multimedia content providers and others to extend the reach of their collaborative applications to broad audiences through the Internet and other Internet Protocol (IP) networks. VTEL's unique coding and distribution techniques will provide those users with predictable Quality of Service (QoS) in IP networks that otherwise are not ready for high- speed, real-time applications like videoconferencing. Furthermore, the ''standards-plus'' strategy permits VTEL streaming technology to ultimately be used in such applications as RealNetwork's RealVideo and RealAudio products and Microsoft's NetShow product as well as the basis for enhanced capabilities for new media companies like InterVU and Yahoo.com/Broadcast.com. Minimum requirements to participate in the live webcast -- Internet connection & modem at 28.8kbps or greater -- Sound capabilities Macintosh -- Power Macintosh 90MHz or better -- System 7.5.3 or later -- 16 MB RAM -- Internet Explorer 4.01 or greater PC Windows -- 133 MHz Pentium -- 16 MB RAM -- Windows 95 / 98 or Windows NT 4.0 -- Netscape Navigator 4.0 / Internet Explorer 4.01 or greater VTEL Corporation develops and manufactures video communications technology, including videoconferencing systems, software and services for commercial, education, healthcare and government applications. In March 1999 VTEL acquired Vosaic, LLC, a multimedia streaming software company, to combine the power of traditional videoconferencing with the global reach of the Internet. Based in Austin, Texas, with offices in Europe and Asia, VTEL distributes its products through value-added resellers and partners in 61 countries. VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. Digital Visual Communications is a servicemark of VTEL Corporation. VTEL Corporation, 108 Wild Basin Road, Austin, Texas, 78746. 512-437-2700, Fax: 512-437-2792. VTEL Website: vtel.com SOURCE: VTEL Corporation