Optibase Sells Digital Receiver Cards to Nielsen Media Research

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2003

Entertainment/Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & HERZLIYA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003

Optibase, Inc., a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Optibase, Ltd. (Nasdaq:OBAS), has sold 3,000 VBox Communications digital TV receiver cards to Nielsen Media Research for use in its new Media Monitoring System (MMS).

Nielsen Media Research will incorporate the DTA-101 VBox digital receiver cards into its media monitoring sites, enabling the company to monitor digital television (DTV). MMS monitors broadcast stations in all 210 Designated Market Areas (DMA(R)) and provides broadcasting data to support ratings products, program verification of local station broadcasts of national TV programs, commercial verification, and verification of unscheduled broadcast content such as public service announcements and infomercials. Nielsen's MMS will monitor more than 1,500 TV and cable broadcasts -- both analog and digital -- in the U.S. and Canada.

The DTA-101 digital TV receiver supports ATSC video and audio as well as ATVEF-compatible data reception. Designed with affordability in mind, DTA-101 receivers utilize software-based, high-definition MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio decoders that deliver high quality video and audio without the expense of hardware-based decoders. Easy-to-use application software integrates video, audio, data and interactive data broadcast, providing seamless integration with existing audio/video equipment.

"We needed a strong industrial strength component such as the DTA-101 card that would allow us to monitor digital television without disruptions and has the capability and reliability to run our application at remote sites continuously for years without the need to reboot," said David Wright, senior project manager, Nielsen Media Research. "The DTA-101 is truly a great fit for our Media Monitoring System. This particular DTA card is affordable and doesn't give us a lot of unnecessary and overcomplicated features."

Nielsen developed its own custom software for DTA-101 to use with its Linux servers. Using its proprietary open platform Linux drivers for the DTA-101 digital TV receiver, Nielsen has ensured compatibility between its MMS and enhanced digital TV broadcasts.

"With the drop in prices of digital televisions and the increased digital TV services being offered to consumers, it is only a matter of time before there is wide-spread penetration of digital technology," said Greg Eisips, president, Optibase, Inc. "By using the DTA-101 digital TV receiver for its new monitoring service, Nielsen's forward-thinking initiative will enable the company to keep up with the ever-changing broadcasting technology.

"Since our initial investment in VBox Communications, we recognized the value of bringing together our two companies in order to better serve the broadcasting and enterprise markets by offering cost-effective, flexible solutions. This sale to Nielsen Media Research, the premiere provider of television audience ratings, reinforces the synergies between VBox and Optibase."

Optibase, Inc. is the exclusive North and Latin America distributor for VBox Communications, Ltd. (www.vbox.to) a leading provider of broadband and broadcast receivers for corporate networking and household entertainment applications.

For product or sales information, contact Optibase at 800/451-5101 or via email at info@optibase.com.

About Nielsen Media Research

Nielsen Media Research is the leading provider of television audience measurement and related services, worldwide. In the United States, Nielsen's National People Meter service provides audience estimates for all national program sources, including broadcast networks, cable networks, Spanish language networks, and national syndicators. Local ratings estimates are produced for television stations, regional cable networks, MSOs, cable interconnects, and Spanish language stations in each of the 210 television markets in the U.S., including electronic metered service in 55 markets. Nielsen Media Research is active in more than 40 countries worldwide, offering television and radio audience measurement, print readership and customized media research services. Nielsen Media Research also provides competitive advertising intelligence information through Nielsen Monitor-Plus both in the U.S. and in 30 markets worldwide. In addition, Nielsen collects Internet usage and advertising information through Nielsen//NetRatings. More information is available at: www.nielsenmedia.com.

Nielsen Media Research is part of the VNU Media Measurement & Information Group, a global leader in informational services for the media and entertainment industries. The Group serves the information and marketing needs of the television and radio broadcasters, advertisers, agencies, media planners, music companies, publishers, motion-picture studios, distributors and exhibitors, and the Internet industry. VNU is active in more than 100 countries, spread across all continents. VNU employs more than 35,000 people and has annual revenues of approximately EUR 4 billion. Additional information is available at: www.vnu.com.