Agilevision Introduces the Broadcast Industry's First Multi-function, Single Device, "Total DTV Solution".

Business & High Tech Editors

NAB2000

NAB Booth no.L1746

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2000

AgileVision's AGV-1000 is a Veritable "Master Control in a Box" Enabling Broadcasters to Manage and Augment Any Compressed DTV Signal

in One Pass through a Single Device

AgileVision, the innovator for broadcasters and cable providers to optimize their DTV investment and develop new broadband media commerce revenue streams, today launched the AGV-1000 - the only single box/single pass "Total DTV solution" that processes and prepares for transmission any DTV signal entirely within the compressed domain. AgileVision, formed last year at NAB in a joint venture between Sarnoff Corporation and Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), is making its public debut as a company with the AGV-1000.

The AGV-1000 is unique because it enables broadcasters to achieve master control multifunctionality without decompressing or recompressing the DTV signal. Key master control functions delivered by the AGV-1000 in a single box/single pass include processing and pass-through of compressed SDTV/HDTV programming from the networks with insertion of local station logo, PSIP, datacast, commercial and program content, and emergency alert system announcements.

"The AGV-1000 provides the highest level of integrated functionality in a single platform," said AgileVision CEO, Tony Gargano, former Senior Vice President of the Communications Systems Division, Broadcast & Professional Group for Sony Electronics.

"The design approach to AgileVision's product line is extremely unique in that it is software-based, rather than relying on special purpose hardware. Because there is no hardware for encoding or decoding, the system is dynamically reconfigurable - and that opens the door for future upgrades and functionality."

Technology Innovation

The AGV-1000 is the first - and only - single DTV platform capable of performing multiple master control functions that previously would have required the engineering and integration of numerous discrete products and systems. The AGV-1000 is built on Sarnoff Corporation's patented MPEG-2 software algorithms and the real-time imaging platform of Mercury Computer Systems.

The software algorithms and code used in the AGV-1000 will enable complete functionality in the compressed domain and will be used for splicing, logo insertion, program content insertion, and for insertion of data services, program guides, and emergency warning content. This is a breakthrough which enables broadcasters to perform master control operations with a software solution that runs on a highly reliable hardware platform - eliminating the need to purchase multiple pieces of new equipment and significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to get on the air.

"The Sarnoff research team is a leader in developing MPEG processing and splicing," said Mike Ettenberg, Senior Vice President of Sarnoff Corporation. "Our advanced patented technology is the foundation on which the AgileVision family of products will be built, starting with the AGV-1000. This breakthrough technology for DTV - combined with the exceptional skill and knowledge of the company's management team - will make AgileVision the leader in total DTV solutions."

Mercury's high-performance computer system is highly scalable, and provides broadcasters with the flexibility to easily upgrade or reconfigure the AGV-1000's capabilities by adding additional software and/or processors for expanded functionality.

"The combination of Mercury's real-time imaging platform with Sarnoff's MPEG-2 processing technology positions AgileVision as a leading contender in providing solutions that will propel broadcasters - large and small - into the digital age," said Doug Flood, Vice President of Mercury Computer Systems. "AgileVision's AGV-1000 leverages Mercury's scalable architecture and video-specific optimizations, and we are pleased to be a part of this exceptional product that is clearly unmatched in the industry."

Benefits of the AGV-1000 Total DTV Solution

The AGV-1000 will enable broadcasters to pass-through a compressed 19.39 Mb/s network feed to its audience. In addition, the AGV-1000 offers a real-time splicing capability to insert compressed local audio, video, and data content. The benefits of the AGV-1000 include:

- Immediate on-air DTV implementation

- Data services gateway

- Minimum hardware investment

- "Spring board" platform to migrate to next generation features

- High video quality

- Content Storage

About AgileVision

AgileVision was formed in 1999 as a joint venture between Sarnoff Corporation and Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY). Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, AgileVision is commercializing unique streaming MPEG-2 algorithms on a scalable high-performance, real-time imaging hardware platform that will initially provide unique solutions for DTV transmission and emerging data service applications for the broadcast industry. AgileVision is well positioned to provide the broadcast industry's first software-based, scalable device that will provide complete DTV functionality in a single platform. For more information on AgileVision, visit the company web site at http://www.agilevision.com.