AgileVision's AGV-1000 Launches Idaho Public Television Into Digital TV Broadcasting.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2001

State Network Implements "DTV-in-a-Box" from AgileVision to Insert

Logos and Other Local Content into Compressed Feeds Entirely within

Compressed Domain

AgileVision(TM), a technology innovator in software-based manipulation of compressed video and data, today announced that Idaho Public Television (Idaho PTV) has become the first broadcaster in the United States to be able to insert logos and other local content into a live compressed High Definition (HD) bit stream.

This unique capability, which eliminates the concatenation artifacts introduced by the decompression and recompression required by other approaches, is enabled by AgileVision's AGV-1000 MPEG Master Control Switcher/Server, the first totally integrated device to allow the seamless manipulation of highly compressed video and audio bitstreams.

Nicknamed "DTV-in-a-Box" for its small footprint and comprehensive software-driven capabilities, the AGV-1000 uses patented software algorithms that allow it to manipulate MPEG-2 signals, including HD, entirely within the compressed domain. Because there is no longer a need to decompress and re-compress MPEG streams in order to insert local commercials or customized programming, the signal remains intact, lossless, thus maintaining original Network quality.

"We're pleased to play such a significant and exciting role in the pioneering efforts of this important public state network," said Anthony Gargano, CEO of AgileVision. "Idaho PTV's commitment to a totally compressed signal path is the first step in an important paradigm shift that is changing the broadcasting industry. Our unique technology will help Idaho PTV create a diverse program mix in a way that was not available previously."

"As our broadcasting requirements change, the AGV-1000's flexibility will enable us to quickly and easily convert to digital. Idaho PTV is a non-profit organization and, therefore, particularly sensitive to making fiscally-responsible decisions while ensuring the technological demands of broadcasting are adequately met," said Peter Morrill, general manager of Idaho PTV. "The AGV-1000 allows us to meet both our fiscal and technological goals now and in the future as broadcasting moves from analog to digital, requiring more sophisticated functionality in the same space."

The AGV-1000 is enabling DTV transmission for this network, which is scheduled to go on air on September 24, 2001. Idaho PTV is using this software-driven, multi-functional device for switching and remultiplexing their DTV programming along with PBS Network content and for local station branding (logo insertion) to create a unique transport stream, including PSIP and data.

According to Richard Van Genderen, director of technology, Idaho Public Television, "AgileVision's installation in our statewide network hub demonstrates a cost-effective, simplified approach to our DTV implementation. We have been pleased with how the AGV-1000's initial functionality has helped us to transition from analog to digital broadcasting. As digital television gains popularity, more and more stations will want to seamlessly insert IDs, logos, 'digital bugs' and the like into their compressed network content. This is preferable to doing cutaways in SD or HD format. With AgileVision's technology, Idaho PTV is able to do inserts more easily while maintaining original network quality."

Standard functions of the rack-mounted, compact AGV-1000 include splicing for easy switching between network and local programming, simplified logo insertion for local station branding, datacasting and PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol). An on-board HD/SD file server enables the automated playout of HD (High Definition) and SD (standard definition) content.

The AGV-1000 runs under the control of AgileVision's own Graphical User Interface (GUI) software (AGV-1610) or via external third-party automation systems. Future plans at Idaho PTV, a totally automated facility, include the integration of the AGV 1000 under Idaho PTV's existing automation control.

Unique Features of the AGV-1000 Include:

-- Multi-program transport stream insertion and re-multiplexing to allow data
to be inserted in up to six simultaneous programs from 18 different sources in
compressed SD or HD domains.

-- Multiple Logo Insertion into multiple programs allows up to four logos to be
dissolved into each SD or HD program in a multi-program transport stream.

-- Bit Rate Control and Statistical Multiplexing combine to ensure efficient
bandwidth utilization and achieve consistent video quality.

About Idaho Public Television

The Idaho Public Television headquarters is located in Boise, Idaho, with offices and production facilities on the campuses of the University of Idaho, in Moscow, and Idaho State University, in Pocatello. Idaho PTV is an agency of the State of Idaho under the Idaho State Board of Education. In May 2000, Idaho PTV was ranked the No. 1 public television station in the country in terms of viewers per capita.

About AgileVision

AgileVision was formed in 1999 as a joint venture between Sarnoff Corp. and Mercury Computer Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:MRCY). Headquartered in Princeton, AgileVision is commercializing unique MPEG-2 algorithms on a scalable, high-performance, real-time imaging hardware platform that will provide DTV transmission solutions and emerging data service applications for the broadcast, cable, and broadband industries.

AgileVision, AGV-1000 and CentralCaster are trademarks of AgileVision. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.