BigBand Networks Launches Fourth Generation Switched Broadcast Solution

BigBand Networks Launches Fourth Generation Switched Broadcast Solution

First release with HDTV switching is based on a combination of established technology and open standards for new operator benefits and widespread partner collaboration

ATLANTA, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- NCTA National Show -- BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, today launched release 4.5 of BigBand Switched Broadcast. This release is designed to leverage open standards and protocols in order to provide cable operators with greater choice among interoperable components from multiple vendors when deploying the solution. This is also the first iteration to switch HDTV programming and to comply with emerging protocols being developed with major cable operators for functions like channel change and mini carousel. Release 4.5 follows release 4.4, which is currently being used in multiple commercial launches of switched broadcast, and two earlier releases which were used in pilot deployments of the technology dating back to 2002.

To accelerate and enhance switched broadcast adoption, BigBand Networks engages in technical collaborations based on standards-based interfaces between components. These include client software work with Aptiv Digital, Inc. and itaas, Inc. Interoperability efforts for version 4.5 of BigBand Switched Broadcast are underway with more than five set-top box client programs, which would enable compatibility with the majority of digital cable subscribers. At the National Show of the NCTA (National Cable & Telecommunications Association), BigBand Networks is demonstrating BigBand Switched Broadcast with multicasting based on IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) at its booth, # 2252. Additionally, itaas is demonstrating its integration with BigBand Switched Broadcast at its booth, #1036.

"With release 4.5, BigBand Networks continues providing timely switched broadcast solutions to the cable industry through innovative development combined with emphasis on solution flexibility leveraging open technologies like IGMP and functional protocols on which we have collaborated with major cable operators," said John Connelly, BigBand Networks' executive vice president of marketing and business development. "We are committed to accelerating cable industry advancement through innovations like switching HDTV, as further illustrated by collaboration on BigBand Switched Broadcast enhancements with companies like Aptiv Digital and itaas for greater choice in conditional access systems and subscriber devices."

Switched broadcast is designed for expanding cable offerings at better bandwidth and resource efficiency. The technology dynamically delivers designated live programming only to the local areas with active subscriber demand, instead of consuming capacity with all content to all areas at all times. BigBand Networks provides multiple headend-based components for switched broadcast that interact with standard routing and communication equipment, as well as client software residing on subscribers' set-top boxes from partner companies.

"The combination of BigBand Switched Broadcast version 4.5 with itaas' Switched Digital Broadcast client application positions our two companies to provide the cable industry with innovative technologies that address pressing needs for bandwidth efficiency and advanced functionality," said Vibha Rustagi, president and CEO of itaas. "We are thrilled to be a key partner in this exciting emerging technology by sharing BigBand Networks' commitment to open technologies and standards in order to accelerate the advancement of switched digital broadcast."

Neil Jones, president and CEO of Aptiv Digital, added, "There is an established history of standards-based collaboration by Aptiv Digital and BigBand Networks which is extended by this release of BigBand Switched Broadcast version 4.5 and enhancements to our Passport DCT client software, enabling a range of exciting and innovative new capabilities for the cable industry, including switching HDTV today and others like targeted advertising and faster program selection going forward."

A complete switched broadcast deployment consists of components that are designed for specific functions with interoperability between them. These components include:

* Live broadcast content acquisition with media processing to convert from
variable to constant bit rate for dynamic delivery according to the same
methodology as VOD streams;
* A management system that determines how to provision programming in
response to subscriber demand based on operator policies and real-time
plant conditions;
* Switching incorporated within the transport network to direct programs
towards their appropriate areas at channel frequencies determined by the
management system; and
* Client software loaded onto set-top boxes that communicates with the
management system on channel surfing behavior by subscribers and how to
tune into dynamically switched programming.

The role of switched broadcast in realizing the next generation cable network is being highlighted throughout the National Show. In addition to multiple technology demonstrations, BigBand Networks has presented the white paper "Switched Unicast: It's Not Just About Capacity" at the event.

ABOUT BIGBAND NETWORKS

BigBand Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data. Utilizing unique combinations of open technologies, the company's solutions are designed to process, optimize, and deliver services such as high-speed data, VoIP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD, interactive TV and IPTV through any network. Service Providers use BigBand Networks' platforms in efforts to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced interactive services. Customers include seven of the ten largest North American cable operators, US telecommunications companies, as well as leading service providers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Founded in 1998, BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, CA with offices worldwide. For more information, please call 650-995-5000, email info@bigbandnet.com or visit www.bigbandnet.com.

ABOUT APTIV DIGITAL

Aptiv Digital, Inc. (formerly Pioneer Digital Technologies, Inc.) is a leading provider of interactive applications for digital cable TV. Aptiv has deployed millions of copies of its Passport(R), Passport DCT(TM) and Passport Echo(TM) navigation and application products on a variety of digital cable set-top platforms, from basic standard definition digital set-tops to advanced high-definition digital video recorder set-tops. Today it is the only company with interactive program guides (IPGs) on both of the major headend platforms, compatible with virtually every deployed digital cable set-top in the industry. Aptiv Digital is a privately held company headquartered in Burbank, California. For more information, please visit: www.aptivdigital.com.

ABOUT ITAAS

itaas is the only provider of end-to-end iTV services in the digital video industry, serving broadband operators, set-top box manufacturers, application and content developers, middleware and OS providers. itaas also offers customers an innovative and compelling suite of video on demand (VOD) products. itaas' digital TV expertise, OCAP experience, VOD product suite and state-of- the art lab facilities are unsurpassed in the industry. itaas has more than 70 clients and its products are deployed in 47 cable systems nationwide. Visit itaas at www.itaas.com for more information.

BigBand Networks brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of BigBand Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts: Marcos Sanchez
BigBand Networks
(650) 995-5000
marcos.sanchez@bigbandnet.com

Brian Baumley
Cohn & Wolfe
(212) 798-9813
brian_baumley@cohnwolfe.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050330/NYW056LOGO
Source: BigBand Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Marcos Sanchez, BigBand Networks, +1-650-995-5000,
marcos.sanchez@bigbandnet.com; Brian Baumley, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9813,
brian_baumley@cohnwolfe.com

Web site: http://www.bigbandnet.com/
http://www.aptivdigital.com/
http://www.itaas.com/

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