Sun and RealNetworks Announce Plans for Breakthrough Technology Uniting Traditional Broadcast and Web Distribution
New Transcode Technology & Delivery of RealSystem G2 on Sun(TM) Platform Will Enable Broadcast and Broadband Quality Through Dial-Up
April 19, 1999 01:21 PM
LAS VEGAS, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- At NAB '99, Sun Microsystems, Inc. SUNW , a leader in network computing products and services, and RealNetworks, the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet, today announced a continuation of their strategic alliance under which the companies will co-develop the industry's first transcode capability for MPEG-2 files to RealAudio G2 and RealVideo G2. For the first time, broadcasters will be able to use existing traditional broadcast content for delivery over the Web. Key to this technology is Sun's recently-announced Sun StorEdge(TM) Media Central software, an open, plug-able software platform for digital media management and audio/video distribution.
The continued alliance targets broadcast, cable, entertainment, and satellite communication companies and content providers who deliver audio and video content over the Web.
"Our goal is to help our digital media customers move to the network age," said Janpieter Scheerder, president, Network Storage, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "These jointly-developed technologies will enable customers to leverage their existing digital assets in a variety of formats and improve overall digital media management and operational efficiency."
Building the First Bridge Between Broadcast and the Web
Currently, broadcasters have no way to access and repurpose files that exist in disparate MPEG-2 and RealNetworks formats. The planned transcode technology will allow broadcasters to take existing high-resolution audio and video content used in their traditional play-to-air environment, and seamlessly stream it over the Web in multiple bit rates.
Empowering Customers with RealSystem(TM)G2 on Sun
Using their respective expertise in the digital media space, Sun and RealNetworks will work to provide customers with a powerful, scalable, and reliable Web streaming media solution.
"Sun is an ideal platform to deliver the speed and reliability necessary for the demanding professional and Web broadcast environments," said Mark Bretl, vice president, Media System, RealNetworks, Inc. "RealSystem G2 on Sun will provide a tightly integrated, optimized streaming media solution with the ability to support high volumes of users."
Sun StorEdge Media Central software takes advantage of Sun's highly scalable, network-enabled line of Sun Enterprise servers and high-performance Sun StoreEdge solutions. Combined with tools designed by third parties, Sun StorEdge Media Central delivers a broad set of flexible, customizable content management and audio/video distribution solutions.
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc. RNWK , based in Seattle, WA, is the recognized leader in the media delivery for the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. RealNetworks can be found on the World Wide Web at www.real.com.
About Sun Microsystems
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer(TM)," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. SUNW , to its position as a leading provider of high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at sun.com.
Note: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun Logo, Solaris, Sun Enterprise, Sun StorEdge, HotJava, and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Netscape Navigator is a trademark or registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation.
RealNetworks, RealAudio, RealVideo and RealSystem are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc.
Press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web using a tool such as Netscape Navigator(TM) or Sun's HotJava(TM) browser. Type sun.com at the URL prompt.
SOURCE Sun Microsystems, Inc. |
