Omneon's Networked Content Servers have been put into operation for two high profile sporting events, The Wimbledon Tennis Championships and this year's British Open Golf Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. As part of an investment by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in an extended play-out infrastructure, the Omneon system supports new multi-channel services for viewers of enhanced interactive Digital Satellite services.

The Omneon system is installed at BBC Television Centre in London in the Multi-Streaming Area. The first use of the system provided interactive coverage of live matches at this year's Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon. The technology allows viewers to watch multiple matches, individual matches in full screen, or recorded highlights packages. Viewer navigation around the interactive service is by means of a series of 'sidebars' (small pictures down the side of the screen) that allow selection of multiple matches and key moments in the games. Each sidebar picture is selected by the viewer from the remote control of the set-top box and viewed as separate video streams. All video streams are played out from the Omneon system under OmniBus Colossus control.

Wimbledon and The Open are important sporting rights for the BBC and the new infrastructure is part of BBC New Media's strategy to provide enhanced coverage and a richer viewing experience to users on digital platforms. BBC Technology plays a significant role in delivering this strategy and its' Consulting & Projects Division managed the development of the interactive services for Wimbledon and The Open. Both events also used OmniBus' multi-channel control and automation system, Colossus and ATG Spectrum, one of the UK's leading independent system integrators, was subcontracted to manage the technical installation.

"The Omneon system, in conjunction with our software partners, is enabling additional video streams to be easily and cost effectively incorporated into the network," said Alan Hoggarth, vice president of operations for Omneon in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We are proud that the Omneon Networked Content Server was chosen for these prestigious sporting events. Omneon's technology provides an infrastructure that is uniquely suited for multi-channel, multi-format operations."

A second Omneon system is currently being installed in the Multi-Streaming Area, adding a further sixteen channels and 60 hours of storage to form part of a larger play-out system.

"The successful implementation of these services is highly significant for content owners and transmission facilities worldwide, especially those seeking to capitalize on multi-channel interactive systems," said Lawrence Kaplan, president and CEO of Omneon Video Networks.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

ATG Spectrum™ is a leading UK system integration company founded in 1993 which has carried out extensive work for the BBC, and other UK broadcasters as well as a number of UK post production houses including currently working with Sony Systems on a high definition facility in London for Home. ATG has also recently completed a major project for the National Icelandic Broadcaster RUV. ATG Spectrum's web site is: www.atgspectrum.co.uk

Omneon Video Networks provides infrastructure for new media. Omneon's Networked Content Server is a highly scalable, data-type independent, shared-storage infrastructure. The solution is a platform that supports third-party software applications for control and transmission, media management, archive, and collaborative production. Omneon systems are used by content producers and distributors for simultaneous program creation and re-purposing for any type of distribution method. Omneon's products consist of server, disk controller, scalable Fiber Channel storage components, and software that together form a content server system. Channel or user scalability is achieved by using both IEEE 1394 and Ethernet networking technologies. This open systems architecture, known as a VIDEO AREA NETWORK, enables facilities to ingest, route, store, share and distribute digital media-comprised of audio, video, and any type of related data. Omneon Video Networks, headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is privately held and funded by prominent venture capital firms. Omneon's web site is www.Omneon.com.

Omnibus Systems headquartered in Stanford-on-Soar in the UK since 1994, has rapidly established a worldwide reputation as the premier system for station automation, encompassing all aspects of operation from lines-in to transmission and from remote camera control to satellite positioning. Omnibus Systems has designed and installed automation at more than 50 sites worldwide including the BBC, ITN and MTV Europe (UK), KGO-TV (USA), NOB and TMF (Holland), NRK (Norway) and TV4 (Sweden), helping to create the world's first tape-less digital television station. Omnibus has recently expanded its products and services to the U.S. markets, opening offices in Nevada City, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, USA. For more information, visit www.omnibus.tv.

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