Comcast Media Center to launch MPEG-4 VoD service on IP-PRIME

June 24, 2008 - Comcast Media Center (CMC) has reported that it is close to signing a definitive agreement with SES Americom to distribute video on demand (VoD) content in MPEG-4 via the latter's IP-PRIME turnkey service, aimed at US operators wishing to launch IPTV services.

SES Americom expects to add the VoD content from Comcast Media Center in the fourth quarter of this year.  CMC currently offers over 8,000 VoD titles in MPEG-2 format to over 20 cable MSOs in the US, including Comast.  IP-PRIME for its part currently distributes around 260 standard-definition channels and 45 high-definition channels to 35 US telcos operating in 22 states across the country.

“Extending our VoD capabilities to include MPEG-4 transport allows television programming networks and other content providers to reach their MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 distributors all from The Center,’” said Gary Traver, Senior Vice President and COO of Comcast Media Center.  “We look forward to making this new service available via SES Americom’s IP-PRIME service.”