Pinnacle Systems' Streamfactory Hardware Selected By Realnetworks For Broadband Encoding - Company Business and Marketing

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Oct 30, 2000

Pinnacle Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCLE), a leader in streaming video solutions, and Real Broadcast Network (RBN), the webcast hosting services division of RealNetworks(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), have announced that Pinnacle Systems' StreamFactory has been installed as the primary encoding hardware solution for signals received via satellite within RBN's digital hosting center. StreamFactory is a real-time web media encoding hardware device that supports encoding to RealVideo(R) 8, enabling Internet broadcasters to stream high-quality live audio and video over the web. The systems were designed in close cooperation with RBN to meet the demanding needs of a 24x7-hosting center at RealNetworks' headquarters in Seattle, Washington. RBN currently streams hundreds of video and audio feeds from radio stations, corporations and television broadcasters.

"We're delighted with RealNetworks' decision to install 20 StreamFactory encoders at RBN's all-new digital hosting facility," says Greg Lowitz, Director of Webcasting Solutions Group for Pinnacle Systems. "Combined with the stunning video quality offered by RealNetworks RealVideo 8 codec, Pinnacle Systems is the vendor chosen to meet their performance specifications and installation timeframe."

StreamFactory was first shown at NAB in April 2000 and together with StreamGenie, is cementing Pinnacle Systems' position as a leading-edge supplier of Internet infrastructure systems for live and on-demand broadcasting over the Internet.

"We first discussed our needs with Pinnacle Systems earlier this year," says Mark Warner, operations director for Real Broadcast Network. "After looking at several alternatives, it was clear that Pinnacle Systems had the right architecture and form factor, as well as commitment to meeting our aggressive timeline. It's been a rewarding experience to work with a vendor that understands the needs of the Internet broadcaster and also delivers on their commitment."

Pinnacle Systems' streaming, broadcast, and consumer products provide video professionals and consumers cutting-edge digital video tools to create, store, distribute and view web enabled digital video easier and more affordably than ever before.