Media Receiver upgrades business TV and satellite networks.
Press Release Summary:
Unity 550-2 Enterprise Media Receiver lets network operators transition live video broadcasts from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4/h.264 video compression, with support for both during pilot programs, edge networks, and full network conversions. Additionally, receiver offers DVB-S2 modulation support and enables operators to replace SD channels with HD using little to no additional bandwidth. It can also stream to additional WEGENER decoders addressable over existing internal IP networks.
Original Press Release:
WEGENER to Intro Enterprise Media Receiver for Business TV and Private Satellite Networks at NAB '07
New Unity 550-2 Provides MPEG-4/h.264 Decoding for SD and HD, DVB-S2 Demodulation Support, and COMPEL(R) control of Additional IP Multicasts
DULUTH, Ga., March 28 -- Wegener Corporation (NASDAQ:WGNR), a leading provider of equipment for television, audio and data distribution networks worldwide, today announced the introduction of its Unity 550-2 Enterprise Media Receiver, the latest innovative product in a long line of enterprise network receivers being used by WEGENER customers throughout the world. The Unity 550-2 will be on display at the National Association of Broadcasters 2007 Convention (Booth #SU7915) April 16-19 in Las Vegas.
Technologies that differentiate the Unity 550-2 include bandwidth efficient MPEG-4/h.264 video coding for both standard definition and high definition, as well as advanced DVB-S2 modulation. These new technologies, when integrated with WEGENER's COMPEL network control system, allow enterprise networks considerably lower operational costs. Furthermore, the Unity 550-2 can stream to additional low cost WEGENER decoders that are addressable over existing internal IP networks, providing powerful new enterprise network architectures. As with all receivers designed by WEGENER, Compel Control(R) is a standard feature of the product and makes the Unity 550-2 backward compatible with customers' existing networks of WEGENER DVB receivers.
Network operators can achieve 40-70 percent greater signal compression using MPEG-4/h.264 video compression and DVB-S2 modulation compared with the current standard MPEG-2 video compression and DVB-S satellite modulation. The Unity 550-2 lets network operators explore opportunities to transition live video broadcasts from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4/h.264 video compression with support for both video compression standards during pilot programs, edge networks and full network conversions. Alternatively, operators can replace their standard definition channels with high definition using little to no additional bandwidth.
"WEGENER understands the need for corporate and private networks to deploy technology that allows them to add services in a cost-effective way," said Ned L. Mountain, President of WEGENER. "The Unity 550-2 is a prime example of our determination to help our customers better manage their bandwidth utilization and launch additional, revenue-generating channels and services. The new Unity 550-2 allows customers to use half the bandwidth of prior generation receivers. Thanks to IP multicasting, customers can now extend their reach beyond satellites to streaming signals over a local area network. Because of its value proposition, we believe this unit is ideally suited for the needs of the global gaming community, retail and medical applications, as well as faith-based broadcasters."
WEGENER helps operators maximize on-air time by integrating its COMPEL network control to remotely monitor and reconfigure Unity receivers. COMPEL provides hands-free satellite downlink operations that increase user productivity and network efficiencies.
WEGENER specializes in the optimization of end-to-end media distribution for dynamic multi-site networks. Currently used in broadcast, radio, telecom, enterprise and cable networks to distribute video and audio content to millions of people, WEGENER provides tailored and off-the-shelf solutions to reduce the long-term cost, integration and maintenance on every project.
About WEGENER
WEGENER (Wegener Communications, Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wegener Corporation (NASDAQ:WGNR), is an international provider of digital solutions for video, audio, and IP data networks. Applications include IP data delivery, broadcast television, cable television, radio networks, business television, distance education, business music and financial information distribution. COMPEL, WEGENER's patented network control system, provides networks with unparalleled ability to regionalize programming and commercials. COMPEL network control capability is integrated into WEGENER digital satellite receivers. WEGENER can be reached at +1.770.814.4000 or on the World Wide Web at www.wegener.com.
COMPEL, MEDIAPLAN, ENVOY, UNITY, and iPUMP are trademarks of Wegener Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CONTACT: Robin Hoffman of Pipeline Communications, +1-973-746-6970, robinh@pipecomm.com, for Wegener Corporation
