Concurrent Computer Corporation Develops Network Capabilities for Personal TV On-Demand Offerings.ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 1999-- VOD See video-on-demand. VoD - video on demand Leader Provides Server-Based Features to Enable Pause, Rewind, and Record Of Broadcast TV Concurrent Computer Corporation  This article or section is written like an .Please help [ rewrite this article] from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising for , using . (Nasdaq:CCUR CCUR Center for Crops Utilization Research ) announced today that it has developed core technology that provides a Personal Video Channel (PVC PVC: see polyvinyl chloride. PVC in full polyvinyl chloride Synthetic resin, an organic polymer made by treating vinyl chloride monomers with a peroxide. ) feature to its MediaHawk(TM) video server line. The PVC is an important feature that will help cable MSO (1) (Multiple System Operator) Typically refers to a cable TV organization that owns more than one cable system, but it may refer to an operator of only one system. customers widen their interactive, TV on-demand offerings. Concurrent's XSTREME Division, a leading provider of Video-On-Demand (VOD) equipment, already enables features like fast forward, rewind, and pause on pre-recorded video material. Now, Concurrent is taking the next logical step in its VOD product evolution by adding pause, record and rewind features to broadcast television. The end result: all the flexibility of a home-based TV storage device, but with the efficiencies inherent to centralized storage and network control. The breakthrough happens by creating a session between digital set-top boxes, or PC-based clients, with the MediaHawk video server. The subscriber can record or pause a broadcast TV event and play it back at his/her convenience. Concurrent and its wholly owned subsidiary Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. , Vivid Technology, already work with a range of digital set-tops, including set-tops made by Scientific-Atlanta Inc., General Instrument, Pioneer, and Samsung. Concurrent servers also support a number of PC-based mediaplayers including Microsoft's Mediaplayer (TM) for desktop viewing of video. With the use of real-time MPEG-2 encoding of live or broadcast TV material, coupled with Concurrent's product offerings for digital video storage and streaming, the MediaHawk video server line becomes a one-stop-shop for a complete TV on-demand solution. "These additional capabilities for provisioning TV on-demand will allow MSOs to grow their arsenal of competitive advantages against DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) A one-way TV broadcast service from a communications satellite to a small round or oval dish antenna no larger than 20" in diameter. providers," said Steve Nussrallah, President and Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. of Concurrent Computer. With the PVC feature, cable customers in a system utilizing MediaHawk servers will be able to "make appointments" with their favorite shows and mark them for future playback - an important plus for cable networks who will suddenly "know" anticipated viewership in advance. The PVC feature also enables customers to pause a broadcast TV program (to answer the phone or otherwise take a break from viewing) and then continue viewing the program as if it were still "live" and therefore not miss any of the program. Additionally, customers can rewind to catch a replay of a notable visual event; much like what a VCR VCR: see videocassette recorder. VCR in full videocassette recorder Electromechanical device that records, stores on a videotape cassette, and plays back on a TV set recorded images and sound. or DVD player A stand-alone device that plays DVDs. It contains a DVD drive and the electronics to decode the digital video. The device may play only manufactured DVDs, or it may be able to play DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs. DVD players are cabled to a TV or home theater system for display. can do today. Steve Nussrallah explained: "Concurrent recognizes the need to provide its customers with technology that enables them to be on the forefront of the TV revolution currently underway. TV viewers are demanding that technology and TV content be delivered to reflect their busy schedules and, more importantly, their appetites for instant viewing by providing the right programs, shows, and movies at the right time." Concurrent's network-based PVC offering has several benefits over existing technology currently sold at retail outlets as standalone set-top boxes or personal video recorders: 1. Operators can manage their subscriber's PVC storage more efficiently but it is centralized. Also Cable systems can offer virtually unlimited storage to individual subscribers. In today's environment, subscribers are limited to the amount of storage typically available with their set-top boxes or with the personal video recorders unit they purchased. In most cases, these devices can only record a few hours of storage before they are out of capacity. 2. Network based deployments are not as prone to technology obsolescence ob·so·les·cent adj. 1. Being in the process of passing out of use or usefulness; becoming obsolete. 2. Biology Gradually disappearing; imperfectly or only slightly developed. as are the in home units. 3. Subscribers do not have to have another device in the home to enjoy the service. The technology being offered leverages digital set-top boxes currently being deployed to subscribers. About Concurrent Concurrent Computer Corporation (http://www.ccur.com), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading provider of high-performance computer systems, software and servers. Concurrent Computer Corporation's XSTREME Division is a leading supplier in the emerging digital video server marketplace. This market includes the broadband/cable, corporate training, education, hospitality, and in-flight entertainment In-flight entertainment (IFE) refers to the entertainment available to aircraft passengers during a flight. After World War II commercial aviation flights became a daily event in which entertainment was requested by passengers to help the time pass. industries. Operating in 32 countries worldwide, Concurrent provides sales and support from offices throughout North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional company or product information form Concurrent Computer Corporation, please contact Concurrent Computer Corporation, 4375 River Green Parkway, Duluth, Georgia, 30096. Readers can also access information through the company's web site at http://www.ccur.com. Concurrent Computer Corporation is a registered trademark and MediaHawk is a trademark of Concurrent Computer Corporation. All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |
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