WEGENER(R) to Showcase Innovative Media Distribution Solutions at NAB 2009

WEGENER(R) to Showcase Innovative Media Distribution Solutions at NAB 2009

Highlights include scalable network control, new Internet delivery solutions, advanced localization tools for radio, customized digital signage solutions

DULUTH, Ga., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wegener Corporation (NASDAQ:WGNR), a leading provider of equipment for television, audio, and data distribution networks worldwide, today announced it will introduce a number of innovative solutions to customize media distribution at the 2009 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev., April 18-23 (NAB Booth #SU7913).

Highlights include: the next generation of the WEGENER(R) Compel(R) network control and media players for smaller IP-based video networks; ShowShifting(TM) and Microcasting(TM) features for localizing radio network operations; and unique applications of digital signage technology to customize national video feeds.

"Throughout WEGENER's exhibit space you will find a range of media distribution solutions to help organizations customize their network while controlling costs," said Ned L. Mountain, President and COO of WEGENER. "We are focused on helping small and large networks better manage bandwidth, increase advertising opportunities, and support multiple applications."

Scalable Network Control

WEGENER introduces CompelConnect.com at NAB 2009 for small to mid-sized video networks. It is a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) that provides management tools for content distribution, scheduling, playout control, and monitoring of media players via the Internet. The full-featured remote network control system helps WEGENER clients manage their network remotely, while controlling costs. CompelConnect.com works hand-in-hand with WEGENER's new iPump(R) 525 IP media player to create a robust, scalable architecture for a variety of video applications.

CompelConnect.com is based on WEGENER's new generation of Compel network control. The Compel platform continues to build functionality for a variety of file-based workflow applications such as localized ad insertions, low-cost disaster recovery, virtual channel creation, and time shifting. Its open architecture system provides simplified operations for dynamic media distribution via satellite or terrestrial paths for content providers, private network operators, and TV and radio broadcasters.

Internet Delivery Solutions

WEGENER's new iPump 525 IP media player and CompelConnect.com are part of a cost-effective solution for IP-based video services that require customization on a site-by-site or regional basis, such as: digital signage, corporate communications, and subscription-based services. The iPump 525 supports file-based standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) video, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 (H.264) video and text overlays.

Tools to Localize Radio Broadcasts

ShowShifting is an optional feature of WEGENER's file-based distribution solution for radio networks. Created for central-casting network operations, it allows either affiliates or the network operator to specify when specific programs will play out of networked iPump 6420 audio media servers. The flexible feature allows playback at multiple times and on different days.

MicroCasting is a new programming solution for national radio programmers that provides remote affiliate stations with highly customized content while retaining all of the normal network features including: local ad insertion, local liners, downstream equipment cueing, and Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) data. New options include the ability to tailor the audio to the station's needs as well as the new ability to integrate local talent with the network content -- freed from the restriction of hard timing the local elements. The MicroCasting feature is also implemented as an optional software upgrade.

Customizing Digital Signage

Also included in WEGENER's NAB showcase, is a review of WEGENER's digital signage technology for local on-screen insertion. Network-based digital signage systems continue to gain popularity in retail outlets and transportation hubs, as they dynamically deliver advertising and other information to consumers. WEGENER has tailored its file-based broadcasting digital signage solution so users can easily add localized information to national broadcast signals.

WEGENER's iPump 525 IP media player and iPump 562 enterprise media player offer an overlay feature that allows video playout to be augmented with graphics and text. This makes it simple to immediately update hundreds of displays in private video networks with time sensitive information -- such as regional news, local advertiser contacts, or horse racing odds -- with a choice of static, scroll, or crawl formats.

Using WEGENER's COMPEL network control functionality to centralize data management and target delivery of live and file-based content, broadcasters can insert the playout of local content, such as traffic alerts, sports scores, local advertisements, weather, and community bulletin board information to networked iPump media servers.

Editor's Note:

The NAB Show is the world's largest electronic media show that covers the development, management, and delivery of content across all mediums. Beyond an extensive exhibit hall, it features numerous conferences and educational sessions on a variety of topics. WEGENER's Vice President System Architect, Gary Pelkey, will present "Microcasting - Applying Automation with Customization to Radio Station Affiliates" during the Radio Engineering Conference on April 20. WEGENER's Vice President of Marketing, Kamy Merithew, will be part of the "How the Global Video Content Cloud Will Transform Your Business" panel during the Content Distribution Forum on April 21.

ABOUT WEGENER

WEGENER(R) (Wegener Communications, Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wegener Corporation (NASDAQ:WGNR), is an international provider of digital video and audio solutions for broadcast television, radio, telco, private and cable networks. With over 30 years experience in optimizing point-to-multipoint multimedia distribution over satellite, fiber, and IP networks, WEGENER offers a comprehensive product line that handles the scheduling, management and delivery of media rich content to multiple devices, including video screens, computers and audio devices. WEGENER focuses on long- and short-term strategies for bandwidth savings, dynamic advertising, live events and affiliate management.

WEGENER's product line includes: iPump(R) media servers for file-based and live broadcasts; Compel(R) Network Control and Compel(R) Conditional Access for dynamic command, monitoring and addressing of multi-site video, audio, and data networks; and the Unity(R) satellite media receivers for live radio and video broadcasts. Applications served include: digital signage, linear and file-based TV distribution, linear and file-based radio distribution, Nielsen rating information, broadcast news distribution, business music distribution, corporate communications, video and audio simulcasts.

WEGENER(R) can be reached at (770) 814-4000 or at www.wegener.com.

WEGENER, COMPEL, COMPEL CONTROL, iPUMP, MEDIAPLAN, UNITY, ASSURED FILE DELIVERY, PANDA, PROSWITCH, VIDATA, the stylized W-design logo (for WEGENER(R)), the stylized C-design logo (for Compel(R)) and the stylized PANDA design logo are all registered trademarks of WEGENER(R). All Rights Reserved.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and the Company intends that such forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "projects," "plans," "anticipates," and similar expressions, and include, for example, statements relating to expectations regarding future sales, income and cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: customer acceptance and effectiveness of recently introduced products, development of additional business for the Company's digital video and audio transmission product lines, effectiveness of the sales organization, the successful development and introduction of new products in the future, delays in the conversion by private and broadcast networks to next generation digital broadcast equipment, acceptance by various networks of standards for digital broadcasting, the Company's liquidity position and capital resources, general market conditions which may not improve during fiscal year 2009 and beyond, and success of the Company's research and development efforts aimed at developing new products. Discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties are provided in detail in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Since these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Source: Wegener Corporation

CONTACT: Press, Robin Hoffman, Pipeline Communications, +1-973-746-6970,
robinhoffman@pipecomm.com; or Investors, Troy Woodbury, Investor Relations,
WEGENER, +1-770-814-4000, fax, +1-770-623-9648, info@wegener.com

Web Site: http://www.wegener.com/

-------
Profile: intent