Lasoo On-Demand IPTV Service Gives Content Providers Broadband Television Distribution Vehicle

Lasoo On-Demand IPTV Service Gives Content Providers Broadband Television Distribution Vehicle

Broadband IPTV Platform Signing Content Providers for New On-Demand Television Service

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadline Media Corp., a leading provider of on-demand IPTV technology and content, announced today that it is actively signing content providers for its new Lasoo broadband television service. Lasoo is designed to deliver high-quality, hi-def and standard-def video content to television sets through broadband-connected PCs. The application is fully downloadable with no set top box required.

Lasoo is geared toward providers of specialty programming who want to reach enthusiast audiences around the world. Previously, niche content providers had to distribute programming through either traditional channels, such as cable/satellite, DVD/home video and theatrical exhibition, or online channels, such as Web sites. Traditional distribution is typically cost-prohibitive for providers of niche content and Web video generally does not have a strong revenue model nor does it offer the video quality that is desired by enthusiasts.

"Lasoo's broadband video-on-demand service enables the low-cost worldwide distribution of high-def and DVD-quality niche video content," said Steve Popper, chief executive officer of Broadline Media Corp. "Consumers gain an alternative source for television programming that is available worldwide."

Viewers can watch Lasoo's video-on-demand programming on either a PC monitor or, preferably, a television set in a comfortable 'lean back' environment with a remote control. Unlike Web video, Lasoo programming is optimized for viewing on a television with a remote, however it also offers an excellent viewing experience on a PC monitor. Lasoo supports both hi-def and DVD-quality standard-def video, in addition to 5.1 digital audio. Lasoo also offers a familiar DVD control user interface optimized for a television screen, with easy-to-use commands such as play, fast forward, rewind and pause.

A beta version of Lasoo has launched to allow potential content partners to see how the service works, and for consumers to experience the quality of true broadband television.

"Lasoo is not a replacement for cable or satellite television, but rather a complement to the existing media delivery options," said Popper. "Lasoo will carry programs you can't find anywhere on cable and for some of the niche programming, no where else at all."

Available initially for PCs running Windows XP, Lasoo's technology works with any broadband provider with a minimum speed of 500kbps (3.0Mbps is recommended for HD programs). In addition, comprehensive parental controls will enable parents to ensure a positive viewing experience for their children.

Lasoo channels will be offered to consumers on a subscription basis, with certain programming priced individually. The exact mix of offerings in each channel depends on the content and is controlled by the channel operator.

The Lasoo software uses Windows Media Digital Rights Management on all video programs. Viewers can watch the programs using the Lasoo player, but cannot burn them to a DVD nor can they copy and exchange programs on P2P networks with the service. Lasoo overcomes usability concerns about DRM by making it easy for viewers to switch computers or replace a hard drive.

Lasoo is powered by Broadline's Imediasee video distribution system using proprietary technology that offers the latest compression, digital rights management and video player to enable the highest quality video possible through the Internet. Based on the Microsoft Windows Media format, Imediasee is robust, secure, scalable and flexible, enabling the downloading, playing and management of content obtained through a broadband connection. The core components of the technology are the Imediasee Library Manager and the Imediasee Player. The Library Manager downloads and manages the content, while the Player presents it for viewing. Multiple Players can access a single Library Manager over a wired or wireless home network, making it easy for Lasoo viewers to access their content from anywhere in the home.

Broadline Media Corp. is a developer of software and services that enable video content to be distributed to television sets through broadband connections. The company's proprietary Imediasee technology uses the latest compression, digital rights management and video player software to enable the highest quality video possible through the Internet. Broadline Media Corp. uses the technology to operate Lasoo (www.lasoo.com), an on-demand broadband television service for consumers, and offers the Imediasee System to other service operators. Broadline Media Corp. was established in 2001 and is based in San Francisco, Calif. More information is available at www.broadline.tv.

Contact: Steve Honig
The Honig Company, Inc.
310-246-1801
press@honigcompany.com

Source: Broadline Media Corp.

CONTACT: Steve Honig of The Honig Company, Inc., +1-310-246-1801,
press@honigcompany.com, for Broadline Media Corp.

Web site: http://www.broadline.tv/
http://www.lasoo.com/

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