Comtrend selects Espial Escape to power new IPTV set-top box

July 20, 2005- Espial®, a provider of client IPTV applications and middleware have announced that Comtrend Corporation, a global manufacturer of telecommunications solutions, has selected Espial Escape(TM) for its new IPTV Triple Play box.

Espial software enables IPTV set-top box manufacturers to easily port and integrate advanced HTML browsing capabilities onto their platform. By leveraging the Espial Escape browser, Comtrend allows their customers to create revenue-generating services.

Telcos and operators can easily develop standards-based interactive portal services to deliver news, weather, sports or games, while also providing an engaging Internet on TV experience to their consumers. Comtrend's IPTV Triple Play box, CT-702, is powered by embedded Linux and the INTEL IXP425 chip to deliver broadband TV and Video On Demand (VOD) over the Internet.

Built with High Definition (HD) video technology, the CT-702 is designed to run with HDTV sets. In addition, the CT-702 provides VoIP, broadband router functions to ease the use of home networking. Comtrend's CT- 702 with Espial Escape will display attractive new interfaces and content that can be quickly developed and updated remotely or on site, ensuring maximum uptake on all revenue generating services.

"Espial's leadership position and experience in the IPTV market gave us the confidence to know that we could quickly and easily integrate Espial Escape onto our set-top box," said Frank Chuang, Marketing Director of Comtrend. "Espial Escape is highly portable and is focused on TV feature requirements including easy customization and a TV-friendly design. Espial provides a solution that allows carriers to maximize their revenues by creating new interactive portal content services along with Internet on TV - two crucial elements for any telecommunications carrier."

The modular architecture of Espial Escape ensures that carriers who deploy the Comtrend offering can introduce new services as the need arises. Easily portable to different chips used in leading designs, Espial Escape can also be readily integrated with any middleware supplier. "Comtrend's vision of providing new applications and services on its set- top box has been reached by selecting Espial as its browser component," said Dilshan De Silva, Director of Marketing for Espial's browser business.

"Deploying with Espial Escape will allow Comtrend to bring more successful services to their customers in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Having deployed in over 100 environments, Espial provides the confidence to manufacturers and carriers that they will provide a very successful offering."

For more information please visit http://www.espial.com or visit http://www.comtrend.com