Cox Communications Deploys BigBand Networks' Broadband Multimedia-Service Router -BMR- for High Definition Television.

Business/Technology & Entertainment Editors

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2002

BigBand Networks Selected for Cox Communications' HDTV Roll-Outs

BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia routing systems for broadcast television and advanced services, today announced that Cox Communications has selected BigBand Networks for its rollout of high definition television (HDTV) in several Cox markets this year.

Cox Communications' first deployments of the BMR(R) for HDTV are in Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, AZ. Cox is using the BMR to enable the expansion of digital HDTV programming capabilities and to address challenges associated with demanding cost, resource and bandwidth allocation.

BigBand Networks is working closely with Cox Communications to reach its goal of rapidly deploying the availability of HDTV to its homes passed, in support of the cable industry's commitment to the FCC for the proliferation of digital television.

"Cox Communications is committed to introducing HDTV to our customers" said Steve Watkins, manager of digital technology for Cox Communications. "As more content becomes available, HDTV's massive bandwidth requirement is a formidable challenge, with each HDTV feed requiring approximately up to six times the capacity of standard digital television (SDTV). BigBand Networks' BMR gives our local systems the ability to manage their bandwidth efficiently. We look forward to working with BigBand Networks for future HDTV and other advanced services roll-outs."

"HDTV is a significant force in an increasingly competitive consumer market, and we are empowering Cox Communications to quickly deploy this strategic, value-added service to its customers," said Amir Bassan-Eskenazi, president and CEO of BigBand Networks. "Cox has an established track record of delivering advanced digital video programming, and our integrated platform provides them with enhanced efficiency and functionality. The selection of the BMR represents a significant vote of confidence in BigBand Networks, and underscores our long relationship."

"We have tested equipment from many vendors and BigBand Networks' BMR is a platform that has best-of-breed functionality for HDTV, including highest port density, which enables us to have our entire headend on one chassis with integrated switching, system scalability, and ease-of use," said Scott Weiss, master telecommunications center supervisor of Cox Communications. "The easy to use Broadcast Control Manager software configures the system with real-time drag-and-drop control over channel line- ups with no service interruption. In addition, the BMR can be upgraded for all HDTV features such as RateShaping and generation of PSIP data tables."

The BMR achieves a new approach to HDTV as an integrated service within a networked, multi-service environment. Benefits include:

-- Best-of-breed platform for digital broadcast television extended to seamlessly include HDTV support.

-- HDTV feeds and SDTV feeds multiplexed within the same channels.

-- RateShaping(TM) bit rate adaptation maintains video quality while enhancing channel capacity by up to 50% when carrying live HDTV programs.

-- NativeMedia(TM) architecture of BMR combines HDTV content with associated Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) data over the same digital cable resources.

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 technology that uniquely routes and integrates video, audio and data in their native formats. This enables service providers to deliver broadcast-quality content and advanced, interactive services such as digital broadcasting, HDTV, ad insertion, VOD and iTV to the mass market. The company's customers include Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Rogers Cable. BigBand Networks is based in Fremont, CA. For more information on BigBand Networks, please visit www.bigbandnet.com.