International Datacasting Corporation and OpenSky Sign Agreement for Digital Cinema Roll Out in Europe

http://www.uemedia.net/CPC/digitalcinemamag/articles/article_17345.shtml By Staff Nov 11, 2008, 00:53

Ottawa, Ontario -- Nov. 3, 2008 -- International Datacasting Corporation, a global leader in providing advanced solutions for the distribution of broadband multimedia content via satellite, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with OpenSky, based in Italy, for the provision of IDC's broadband satellite technology for the rollout of a new digital cinema distribution network in Europe. The MOU has been consummated with an initial order of uplink broadcast equipment and an initial deployment of IDC's satellite receivers to multiple theatres across Italy. Financial details of the MOU were not disclosed for competitive reasons.

OpenSky is a major European satellite service provider with headquarters in Italy. Opensky is a strategic partner in Italy of the Eutelsat group and provides a range of satellite delivery services in Europe, from its base of operations in Italy. As part of this MOU, OpenSky is launching a new satellite distribution network specifically for live events and content delivery to theatres across Europe equipped with digital cinema projection systems. Opensky is also utilizing the IDC solution in an ESA (European Space Agency) project named ISIDE focused on E/D-Cinema distribution.

Under the terms of the MOU, IDC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary PROFLine B.V. in the Netherlands, will provide a complete end-to-end solution capable of satellite distribution of both file based digitally rendered movies based on the Hollywood JPEG200 standard as well as alternative live events content. The solution is based the company's proven SuperFlex Pro Cinema product line including Datacast XD for content management, the company's latest SFX4104 DVB-S2/IP receivers and Sensio(TM) 3D encoding and decoding technology.

"We selected IDC through a competitive evaluation process and we are pleased to have them as our technology partner going forward," said Walter Munarini, Technology Director for OpenSky in Italy. "They have future-proof, off-the-shelf products backed by years of real life digital cinema experience. We have developed and optimized a specific solution for content distribution exploiting their SuperFlex technology. Now we can deliver full length encrypted movie files in a few hours compared to days for other approaches. The same system has the added benefit of being able to deliver live events in high definition - both in 2D and now in 3D with Sensio 3D technology. We also selected IDC because they are financially stable and have a long-term commitment to ongoing new product development."

"We are pleased and proud to be chosen by OpenSky to be their technology provider and to be providing the latest network solution for this exciting new digital cinema project," said Ron Clifton, IDC President and CEO. "OpenSky is an industry leader and has a reputation for excellence and quality of service," he added.

IDC's SuperFlex Pro Cinema product line comprises a family of modular products that can easily be configured to provide a range of end-to-end solutions for the delivery of both file-based movies and live events over a broadband satellite network. The product line features open standards including the latest DVB-S2 broadcast technology with a variety of encryption options and plug and play interoperability with terrestrial Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

A new feature of the SuperFlex Pro Cinema product line is the Pro Cinema 3D Live Encoder and Decoder, with leading Sensio(R) 3-D technology onboard. The SuperFlex Pro Cinema 3D Live Encoder and Decoder supports both 2D and 3D live and pre-recorded events, which provides movie houses and other venues increased new revenue opportunities via alternative content programming.

About International Datacasting Corporation (IDC):
International Datacasting Corporation, is a global leader in providing advanced solutions for the distribution of broadband content via satellite. IDC is at the forefront of delivering IP-based datacasting solutions via satellite and content distribution technologies with installations in more than 100 countries worldwide. IDC's products are in demand for radio and television broadcast networks, distance learning, digital signage, digital cinema, IPTV distribution and other content distribution applications. IDC is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, operates in Europe through its wholly owned subsidiary PROFline B.V. in Arnhem, the Netherlands and has an established international network of value-added partners and distributors.

About OPENSKY
OPENSKY is an European satellite service provider. The company, as partner of the Eutelsat group, provides a range of satellite delivery services in Europe, OPENSKY is based in Italy and has as its mission to launch advance services leveraging the satellite technology thanks also to the strategic partnership with Eutelsat by using its base services and its satellite fleet.

OPENSKY is one of the key operator for recent launch of the new service for internet via satellite based on the TOOWAY platform. TOOWAY is a new Eutelsat broadband service for the consumer and thanks to OPENSKY is now distributed with success in Italy.

OPENSKY is also specialized in launching satellite distribution network for Live and Content Delivery to theatres across Europe.