Broadstream Communications Announces IP Transport and Carriage Agreement With Lifetime Entertainment Services

Broadstream Communications Announces IP Transport and Carriage Agreement With Lifetime Entertainment Services

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadstream Communications, Inc. ("Broadstream"), the industry leader in outsourced IP video head-end and content distribution and management services, and Lifetime Entertainment Services today announce a comprehensive multi-year agreement through which Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women are available through Broadstream's IPTVConnect(TM) Service -- the industry's first and most comprehensive IP content distribution platform.

"We are delighted that Broadstream -- which is bringing a wide array of IPTV content and services to the telecommunications industry -- has seen the value to its customers of the distinct programming Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women have to offer," said Patrick Wilson, Senior Vice President of Distribution at Lifetime Entertainment Services. "This agreement will enable Broadstream's customers and their subscribers to experience and enjoy our three powerful and relevant networks."

"This agreement with Lifetime Entertainment Services enhances the value of Broadstream's IPTVConnect(TM) platform by bringing our customers exciting and compelling television content for their IPTV subscribers," said Anthony Bontrager, President and CEO of Broadstream. "Broadstream is the leader in delivering advanced IP-based content and services to the telecom and broadband industries, and this agreement underscores our commitment to offer our customers the best programming available."

Broadstream's IPTV Connect(TM) transport network -- jointly developed by leading equipment manufacturers and service providers, is a first-of-its-kind platform that completely centralizes the aggregation, real-time digital encoding and IP encapsulation of programmer content, suitable for distribution via xDSL, fiber or other broadband networks. Broadstream manages and maintains both the live programming streams and edge equipment installed at the service provider facility 24/7 from its Network Operations Center. The Broadstream platform offers over 200 video and audio programs in full digital quality, through agreements with nearly every major broadcaster and programmer in the country. In addition, the company's Bstream(TM) middleware platform offers a unique service management solution and interactive program guide that provides the necessary tools to deploy and manage a fully scalable, and cost-effective IPTV service offering.

Lifetime Entertainment programming, joins other tier-1 programmers being carried on Broadstream's IPTVConnect(TM) platform, including ABC Cable Networks, ESPN, Turner Cable Networks, NBC-Universal and others.

Key Broadstream features and benefits include:
-- Full IP-multicast capability employing the latest advanced video codecs
-- Over 200 "all digital" video and audio programming channels
-- Local encoding platform for local affiliate stations and regional
sports networks
-- Bstream(TM) 3.0 IPTV Middleware Platform
-- Fault tolerant network, monitored 24/7
-- Compatibility with existing access networks
-- Multiple set-top box integration
-- Content acquisition and marketing support

About Lifetime Entertainment Services

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Launched in 1984, LIFETIME serves 88 million households nationwide. In 1998, LIFETIME launched Lifetime Movie Network, now in more than 44 million homes, and in 2001, Lifetime Real Women. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Radio for Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

About Broadstream Communications, Inc.

Broadstream Communications, Inc., is the leading provider of managed IPTV network services (IPTV Connect(TM)) and content management platforms (Bstream(TM)), that enable the unconstrained delivery of national television content to telecom service providers across the United States. Broadstream operates the industry's first all digital (IP) virtual head-end network and service offering that enables service providers to create an efficient, cost-effective video service offering that breaks economic and performance barriers imposed by self-built head-end systems. With ubiquitous coverage of the entire continental United States from our satellites, Broadstream offers the most extensive IP Video network in the world, and is able to offer the most flexible and complete video solution in the industry. Broadstream is headquartered in Bellevue, WA. Additional information can be found at www.broadstream.com.

Contact:
Jay Stark
Broadstream Communications, Inc.
Phone: 425-709-3800
Email: jstark@broadstream.com

Source: Broadstream Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Jay Stark of Broadstream Communications, Inc., +1-425-709-3800,
or jstark@broadstream.com

Web site: http://www.broadstream.com/

-------
Profile: intent