EGT Redefines Market with Innovative Closed-Loop Encoder.

ATLANTA -- CHORUS Self-Controlled Premium Encoder Features Built-In Statistical Multiplexer, Provides Increased Bandwidth Efficiency in Closed-Loop Environments

EGT, Inc., delivering the world's best digital video quality experience, today announced the launch of the CHORUS premium closed-loop encoder, the first encoder that is fully self-controlled, allowing for greater bandwidth capacity and improved video quality. Continuing its tradition of signal processing innovation, CHORUS, designed as a simple field software upgrade to already deployed constant bit rate (CBR) encoders or as a new product purchase, enables smarter network architectures by providing operators with flexible configuration options to create the highest quality, cost-effective program multiplex on the market.

The CHORUS closed-loop encoder is a one-of-a-kind solution. A bank of CHORUS encoders comes with the statistical multiplexing engine already built into the controlling encoder. By internally managing the statistical multiplexing function, CHORUS encoders control themselves. The result is a fully optimized MPTS (Multi Program Transport Stream) without the expense of an external closed-loop controller upon which other encoder vendors must rely. This innovation provides operators an average savings of $1000 per channel and an increased bandwidth efficiency of up to 25 percent.

"Our customers are building their next generation networks and want new levels of performance and efficiency from their suppliers," said Greg Nicholson, CEO of EGT. "Our new products help operators transition faster, with lower capital outlay and the future in mind. We are dedicated to providing the most efficient and innovative solutions for our customers, all while maintaining the highest video quality standard."

The CHORUS Advantage

CHORUS works by balancing bit rates and optimizing video quality across multiple channels. The result is a fully optimized multi program transport stream (MPTS) without the expense of an external closed-loop controller. For example, if one channel in the lineup is broadcasting a high action sequence and another channel in the same lineup is broadcasting a talk show, CHORUS will borrow the unused bit-rate from the less complex talk show and transfer the bits to the action sequence. This eliminates the need for downstream rate shaping of CHORUS encoded streams and ensures optimal visual quality. Additionally, new techniques in look ahead processing have been added which improves video quality in highly complex scenes with camera cuts, dissolves, fades and other rapid transitions; all at the lowest bit rates in the industry.

In addition to the cost savings and added bandwidth efficiency, CHORUS provides new opportunities for architectural flexibility. Through the control module and dual ASI/IP outputs operators can combine encoded video signals from remote locations into a single closed-loop group. This means channels from one cable headend can be coordinated via IP and multiplexed into another headend's closed-loop quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) channel.

"The competitive advantages are clear. In addition to new and flexible configuration options, CHORUS will improve the efficiency of each QAM channel by an additional 20-25 percent," says Chris Gordon, director of product management for EGT. "This is a real option for adding additional services to an already near-capacity network infrastructure. Operators will see the value as they realize new revenue streams."

One of the first operators in North America to deploy a digital simulcast, Mountain Cablevision has begun upgrading its installed base of EGT encoders.

Bruce Marshal, technical director of Mountain Cablevision, explains, "We selected EGT encoders for their architectural flexibility and excellent video quality. The promise of future upgrades was just an added bonus. But now that we are conducting field upgrades to EGT's new VBR technology, we are excited about the added gains offered by CHORUS."

CHORUS, designed as an efficient solution for introducing new services into an existing architecture, is fully standards compliant and can interoperate with already deployed equipment. The CHORUS Encoder is available directly through EGT, and through distribution partners in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

About EGT

EGT, Inc., delivers the world's best digital video experience, helping today's leading multiple system operators (MSOs), broadcasters, content providers, satellite and telecommunications companies deliver more value-added services and new revenue streams using existing networks. Today's North American and international MSOs rely on EGT's technology as a cost-effective, flexible solution for delivering the best video quality experience in the world, more channels of content, video on demand and analog-to-digital conversions within existing networks. The company's flagship product, MPEG-2 Digital Video Encoder, uses advanced compression techniques to deliver superior video performance. Headquartered in Atlanta, EGT is privately owned and backed by industry-leading investors. For more information call 404-591-4800 or visit at www.egtinc.com.