BigBand Networks Demonstrates Industry's First Bit Rate Adaptation of HDTV Format.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

The Western Show 2001

Booth Number 1712

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2001

RateShaping(TM) of HDTV on Broadband Multimedia-Service

Router (BMR(TM)) Maximizes Bandwidth Efficiency, Extending

Next Generation Grooming Leadership

BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia routing systems for broadcasting and advanced services, today unveiled here at the Western Cable Show its RateShaping video bit rate adaptation for the high definition television (HDTV) format. This capability enables cable multiple system operators (MSOs) to easily transition to premium HDTV programming, while maximizing bandwidth efficiency.

With a simple software addition, BigBand Networks' versatile BMR is the only grooming platform to RateShape HDTV. The BMR provides a cost-effective solution to bandwidth efficiency challenges of HDTV incoming bit rates that can reach 19Mbit/sec, the equivalent of approximately six standard definition television (SDTV) program feeds. With this new capability, BigBand Networks extends its leadership in defining next generation grooming solutions. BigBand Networks' HDTV RateShaping is being demonstrated alongside its SDTV broadcast grooming functionality at the company's booth number 1712.

"HDTV is an emerging growth area and an intense competitive battlefield for MSOs adding advanced services. High definition bit rate adaptation is an important technology for this service which has not been realized on legacy grooming devices," said Ran Oz, BigBand Networks' co-founder and chief technology officer. "Adding HDTV RateShaping to the BMR provides an easy transition to more HDTV programming while avoiding the need for major headend re-architecting. This new functionality underscores the BMR's superior video capabilities and the modular structure of our NativeMedia operating system, which are strong competitive advantages for our customers."

MSOs are currently deploying the BMR to groom SDTV programs, as well as to multiplex up to two HDTV streams in one 256 QAM to provision the maximum possible bandwidth. With this new software enhancement, BMR customers will be able to add the HDTV RateShaping module to BMRs deployed in the field and efficiently transmit more HDTV feeds or package HDTV with SDTV on the same QAM.

The new HDTV RateShaping module is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2002.

About BigBand Networks

BigBand Networks, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells and supports Broadband Multimedia-Service Routers (BMR). The BMR is a new class of router built on the company's NativeMedia(TM) technology that uniquely routes and integrates video, audio and data in their native formats and enables service providers to deliver broadcast-quality content and advanced, interactive services to the mass market. The company is funded by Redpoint Ventures, Pilot House Ventures, Cedar Fund and Evergreen Investments and is based in Fremont, Calif. Additional information can be found at www.bigbandnet.com.