New Intelsat Broadcast Video Service Will Accelerate Deployment of IPTV

12th April 2006-Intelsat today introduced AmpiageSM, a new satellite-based, open-architecture, content delivery and management service ideally suited for North American multiple system operators (MSOs) seeking to cost-effectively upgrade to MPEG-4 and telecommunications operators (telcos) looking to enter the IPTV market.

"Our goal is to offer services that help our customers reach their goals, and Ampiage will benefit phone companies and cable operators in two very different ways," said David McGlade, CEO of Intelsat. "This is a game-starter for phone companies looking to launch IPTV services for their subscribers and make a video play. Separately, it is also a cost-effective way for cable companies to upgrade to MPEG-4 without having to invest new capital in equipment. Lastly, Ampiage also showcases Intelsat's ability to introduce innovative services that address new and growing markets created by the convergence of telecom and media."

Modeled on a "super head-end" for content distribution Ampiage will upgrade and convert video stream for MSOs from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 using state-of-the-art equipment. The move to MPEG-4 is being driven by the desire for both higher transmission quality and efficient utilization of bandwidth. The service is designed to include fully redundant facilities and transmission capacity, thus it is expected that Ampiage services will have the 'gold standard' service excellence and high availability for which Intelsat is known.

Telco customers are expected to realize significant cost savings by taking advantage of Intelsat's packaged offering, which, if the elements were procured separately and on their own, would cost them millions of dollars. Telco customers are expected to benefit from Intelsat's volume relationships with content creators worldwide, its ability to secure transport rights and its relationships with coveted niche and international programmers, which will enable them to create local packages that are highly customized to demographic concentrations.

For more information about Intelsat please visit http://www.intelsat.com