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SeaChange Provides On-Demand
Platform for Nationwide IP Television Service in Japan; Commercial
Launch to Provide 5,000 Hours of Japanese and Hollywood Content to DSL
and FTTH Subscribers
SeaChange International (Nasdaq: SEAC) today announced that its
video-on-demand (VOD) system is supporting "OnDemand TV," the IP
television service slated for launch this spring over NTT-East and
NTT-West broadband systems, Japan's largest telecommunications
networks.
OnDemand TV will operate across the entire nation of Japan, providing
5,000 hours of local Japanese and Hollywood studio content. It will
also include a number of new video applications that bridge the
traditional boundary between television and telecommunications
services. Together, NTT-East and NTT-West provide telephone and
broadband services to more than 60 million subscribers.
"OnDemand TV is designed to fulfill the promise of digital television
with the widest range of applications and access for viewers," said
Yasuyuki Taniguchi, chief manager, Engineering Department, OnDemand
TV. "With its global history in VOD, SeaChange ensures the flexibility
we need to reach consumers wherever they are, as well as the
reliability required to bring thousands of on-demand program choices
to millions of viewers."
The OnDemand TV service will be one of the first commercial launches
of VOD over IP v6 networks. With the unique capabilities to deliver
multiple media formats and bit rates, the SeaChange system will
deliver on-demand services to fiber-connected homes (FTTH) and, later
this year, to DSL customers through H.264 codec support. Further,
OnDemand TV and SeaChange will collaborate to extend VOD services to
hotels and other multi-dwelling units. SeaChange's long-standing
distribution partner, Itochu Technoscience Corporation (CTC), is chief
system integrator for OnDemand TV.
"SeaChange is helping operators worldwide to redefine television and
to provide a range of compelling new applications across a range of
network types," said Bill Styslinger, president & CEO, SeaChange. "OnDemand
TV will introduce strategic new options in television services to
Japan and provide viewers with the ultimate television experience. We
look forward, with OnDemandTV, to providing further details of their
emerging services later this year."
First deployed in 2000 and now supporting over 100 broadband networks
delivering video services, SeaChange's VOD servers and software are
the foundation for the majority of commercial on-demand television
services around the world. In 2004, the National Television Academy
awarded the first-ever Emmy to SeaChange for accomplishments enabling
on-demand's widespread availability. Additionally, its server systems
are supporting the storage and delivery of video content for hundreds
of broadcasters, studios and television networks around the world.
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