Inlet Technologies Launches Compass Early Access Program For WMV-HD Encoding Technology; Video-on-Demand Service Providers, Akimbo Systems and CinemaNow, Become Charter Members

Business Wire, Dec 14, 2004

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Inlet Technologies, a provider of professional encoding solutions for high-definition content creation and distribution, today announced the launch of its Compass Early Access Program, designed to plot the course of HD encoding technology for the post-production, broadcast and IPTV markets.

The Compass Early Access Program gives high-definition industry leaders access to the most advanced professional encoding solutions available for Windows Media High-Definition content creation and distribution. Inlet is currently seeking a select group of customers and partners to guide the future direction of Inlet Fathom(TM), a professional encoding software application combined with hardware acceleration that delivers the first real-time encoding of WMV-HD content.

"Inlet Technologies has established itself as the premier provider of professional encoding solutions for WMV-HD content creation and distribution," said John Bishop, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for Inlet Technologies. "We are seeking leading organizations that are currently working with high-definition content to join us as we develop pioneering products that make HD accessible, affordable and efficient."

Akimbo Systems, the first provider of Internet-to-TV video-on-demand services, has become one of the first organization to join the Compass Early Access Program.

"Inlet Fathom has given us unprecedented levels of information about Windows Media content, allowing us to accurately determine the visual quality of an encode, and a stream's compatibility with our set top box," Brandon Wirtz, lead compressionist for Akimbo Systems. "Akimbo is excited about the potential of the Fathom encoding solution to accelerate encoding of Akimbo's content to faster than real-time."

In addition to early access to the latest professional encoding solutions for WMV-HD, Compass members enjoy the following benefits:

--Product discounts

--Free product upgrades and technical support

--Industry recognition as encoding experts

--Invitations to exclusive Inlet-sponsored industry events

"As a pioneer in the online distribution of high-definition content, CinemaNow understands that encoding is a critical step in delivering high-quality videos to our growing member base," said Aaron Evans, Senior Encoder, CinemaNow, the global leader in Internet-based video-on-demand distribution and technology. "We are looking forward to working with Inlet Technologies in the Compass program to continue to raise the standard for WMV-HD encoding."

For more information about the program, or to see if your organization qualifies for membership, visit www.inlethd.com.

About Inlet Technologies

Inlet Technologies provides professional encoding solutions for high-definition content creation and distribution. Inlet's Optimized Compression, Encoding and Analysis (OCEAN(TM)) platform combines the leading advanced compression encoding format with proprietary analysis tools to enable intelligent, real-time encoding of high-definition content for the post-production and broadcast markets. Inlet Technologies is based in Raleigh, NC. For more information, visit www.inlethd.com.