(Bethpage,
N.Y., October 31, 2000)--SeaChange International, Inc. has announced
that it has been selected by Cablevision Systems Corporation as
the provider of the video-on-demand component of its Sony set
top platform. The cable operator plans to deploy movies on-demand with
the convenience of VCR-like controls including fast forward, rewind
and pause to 2.9 million customer homes as it rolls out Sony's digital
set top box.
"Video-on-demand is an important piece of our interactive television
strategy and we have great confidence in SeaChange and its ITV System,"
said Wilt Hildenbrand, executive vice president, technology, Cablevision
Systems Corporation. "SeaChange's software architecture is designed
for real-life VOD operation and its video server technology has proven
its reliability and scalability in hundreds of very demanding video
delivery applications," Mr. Hildenbrand continued.
"Cablevision has been a valued SeaChange customer for years. We're pleased
that they can call upon their longstanding relationship with us to capitalize
on new opportunities in interactive television," said Bill Styslinger,
president and CEO, SeaChange International.
The rapidly escalating deployment of television services that require
every cable home to have its own video stream calls for a video server
system that will serve vast metropolitan populations without interruption.
The SeaChange ITV System leverages the company's patented MediaCluster
technology, which enables its video servers to deliver highly reliable
VOD service. Integrated software provides the system's automated functionality
ensuring easy operation for cable customers. The SeaChange ITV System
is a standards-based platform designed to serve the variety of broadband
networks and is designed to integrate with most popular digital set
top boxes including Sony Electronics', Cablevision's choice for its
New York area systems.
About SeaChange International
SeaChange International, Inc. is a leader in the market for digital
video systems for television. The Company creates powerful server and
software systems that manage, store and distribute professional quality
digital video. SeaChange's innovative products are based on a scalable,
distributed software architecture and standard technology components
to continuously deliver exponential improvements in digital video cost-performance.
As a result, SeaChange enables broadband, broadcast, satellite and new
media companies to streamline operations and reduce costs, allowing
for expanded services, new applications and increased revenues. SeaChange
is headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts and has product development,
support and sales offices throughout the world. SeaChange is supporting
numerous other VOD installations around the world. Time Warner is currently
using the SeaChange ITV System in a test in Austin, Texas. Comcast has
also selected the ITV System for its VOD trials in the U.S. Rogers Communications
is deploying it in Canada. Telewest Communications is deploying it in
the U.K. In China, Guandong Cable TV is using it to provide educational
VOD services. Additionally, a number of other cable operators have begun
deployments or final preparations toward true VOD services based on
the SeaChange platform, which are expected to be announced later.
For more information about SeaChange visit their Web site at www.seachangeinternational.com.
Source SeaChange press release
