ZapMe! Showcasing Delivery of Rich-Media Content with Gilat Satellite Networks and DiviCom, Inc.
Interactive Broadband Network for Education featured in booth #S3353 and S6250 at National Association of Broadcaster conference in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, National Association of Broadcasters, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- ZapMe!(TM) Corporation, the creator of the ZapMe! netspace and premier provider of free computer labs, satellite-based Internet access and high- quality educational content to schools, today will showcase their Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) datacasting satellite network at the NAB show. Demonstrations will be conducted during the show by two partner companies, DiviCom, Inc. (booth S3353) and Spacenet Inc., a subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (booth S6250.)
''We are excited about the opportunity to display our powerful technology package here at NAB,'' said Lance Mortensen, founder and CEO of ZapMe! Corporation. ''Our goal has always been to work with premier technology companies to bring the best technology solutions to our netspace schools. The Gilat SkyBlaster(TM)network, and its use of Divicom's DiviCast technology, enables us to quickly and efficiently deliver high-quality rich media and data to our netspace labs.''
This network is the first implementation of leading broadband technology for distribution of educational content to schools. Based on VSAT technology provided by Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., which incorporates DiviCom's Divicast product, the network offers content providers the ability to deliver full rich-media and data to netspace schools, in addition to enabling internet access. The ZapMe! netspace is installed in over 100 schools nationwide with plans to expand to over 2,000 schools by year's end.
''The decision by ZapMe! to select Gilat's interactive SkyBlaster product, a satellite-based DVB system, is a milestone in the DVB industry as services now diversify beyond broadcast video to data services,'' said Yoel Gat, Chairman and CEO of Gilat Satellite Networks.
''This innovative data service provider is using our standards-based products to create an infrastructure for delivering both high quality video entertainment and interactive data services to their subscribers,'' said Tom Lookabaugh, president of DiviCom.
Gilat Satellite Networks' SkyBlaster VSAT incorporates Divicom's datacasting technology in the network headend system to deliver broadband video and data directly to the netspace servers using the latest DVB standards. SkyBlaster is an interactive PC-based IP networking solution, with a DVB satellite receiver and transmitter suited for IP networking applications such as distance learning, internet access and data push applications. The SkyBlaster hub delivers a scalable 2-35 Mbps pipe with a satellite-based return channel. The solution represents a complete DVB solution supported by enhanced network management capabilities and provides individual IP access for Internet/Intranet browsing and IP multicast capabilities.
Free to schools, ZapMe! labs offer students high-speed Internet access, the Microsoft Office Suite, ZapMail(TM), traveling bookmarks, message boards to post homework and extracurricular activities, and links to more than 10,000 pre-selected, high-quality educational web sites. The ZapMe! netspace is composed of a complete network solution, which includes software, hardware (satellite dish and wiring), a high-performance server, fifteen Pentium® II processor-based PCs and a printer.
About ZapMe! Corporation
ZapMe! Corp. is dedicated to providing all kids with access to the latest tools and information they need for success. With satellite broadband capability to enable powerful learning experiences in K-12, the ZapMe! netspace is the premier interactive educational medium. ZapMe! installs in schools high-performance computer labs with safer, high-speed satellite delivery of aggregated educational web content -- all at no cost! Through technology providers such as Compaq, General Electric, Toshiba, Microsoft, Gilat Satellite Networks and Philips, ZapMe! is able to bring the vast content and excitement of the Internet to schools everywhere. The ZapMe! Corporation, founded in 1996, is a privately held company headquartered in San Ramon, California.
About DiviCom, Inc. DiviCom, Inc. is a leading provider of open solutions for digital television. Products include audio/video encoding, data broadcast solutions, network management systems, integration and support services. Based on the MPEG-2, DVB and ATSC international standards, DiviCom products enable digital video broadcasting over a variety of networks including satellite, wireless, fiber and cable.
DiviCom is a wholly owned subsidiary of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. (Nasdaq: CUBE - news), and both companies are based in Milpitas, Calif. C-Cube is the leading provider of digital video silicon solutions for the communications, consumer electronics and computer markets. C-Cube can be reached at 1-408-490-6300 or www.c-cube.com. DiviCom can be reached at 1-408-490-6700 or www.divi.com.
DiviCom, InterSect, MediaNode, and MediaView are trademarks of DiviCom, Inc. The C-Cube logo is a registered trademark of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. C-Cube is a trademark of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
About Gilat
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. and its subsidiaries design, develop, manufacture, market, operate, service and support Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite earth stations and related hub equipment and software. Gilat products are incorporated into telecommunications networks that provide satellite-based communications between a central location and a large number of geographically dispersed sites. Gilat offers a range of satellite-based products and services focused on three markets: data networking, telephony, and IP (internet). Gilat offers two IP-based products: SkySurfer VSAT which delivers broadband corporate communications using a client's existing terrestrial or VSAT return path, and SkyBlaster VSAT, which utilizes DVB technology, and does the same but provides a satellite return path. SkySurfer(TM) and SkyBlaster(TM) are trademarks of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
SOURCE: ZapMe! Corporation
|
