April 10, 2000 - Scala Announces Broadcast Server Software.
Calabasas, California (April 10, 2000) - Scala, Inc., an international developer of multimedia communications solutions, announced the launch of its Broadcast Server software for InfoChannel. This new technology will allow content to be distributed to large numbers of PC and TV displays via satellite, LAN or Internet.
"Scala's broadcast technology enhances InfoChannel's power in large scale corporate, educational and retail applications," said Jeff Porter, Vice President of Engineering, Scala, Inc. "It makes large scale broadband multimedia solutions more accessible and powerful for our Value Added Resellers and their customers."
The Broadcast Server manages communications between authoring stations and potentially thousands of broadcast players. These players can be driving multimedia TV channels, digital signage displays, kiosks or other networked PCs. It acts as a queuing and distribution system, automatically encoding and broadcasting multimedia content to specified players.
Using the Broadcast master authoring software, users can choose from InfoChannel's standard point-to-point communications as well as broadband satellite distribution and multicast-IP to Broadcast player systems. Scala is working with satellite providers to enable their services to seamlessly integrate with customers' existing networks. Scala currently supports satellite networks from Hughes Network Systems, SatCast, Gilat and SES Multimedia, the operator of Europe's leading multimedia service platform ASTRA-NET.
Scala's InfoChannel software suite allows users to author and broadcast dynamic multimedia content to employees, customers or the general public via TV monitors, kiosks, cable channels, or networked PCs. Advertising, news, training and other visual communications can be easily scheduled and updated with InfoChannel's integrated multimedia creation, broadcast and playback system.
About Scala
Scala is a leading international developer of multimedia solutions for corporations, cable television operators, advertisers, educators and consumers. Scala software is used by thousands of customers around the world to create dynamic full-screen productions with text, graphics, animation, sound and video, then broadcast via corporate intranets or the Internet to television or computer-based displays. Working with its global distribution network, Scala offers a complete solution meeting its customers' growing needs to reach a diverse audience with engaging content. Scala is headquartered in Calabasas, CA with US and European sales offices.
About Hughes Network Systems
Leading the way in providing broadband solutions for businesses and consumers, Hughes Network Systems (HNS) is a unit of Hughes Electronics, the world's leading provider of digital information and entertainment services.
In creating a new-generation of products and services that take advantage of high-speed digital delivery and convergence technologies, HNS has enabled video, audio, and data delivery at unparalleled speeds and unmatched reliability. From the award-winning DirecPC to the DirecWayTM suite of products and services to AIReachTM Broadband, HNS allows its customers to accommodate their need for speedy delivery of media-rich content. Through its alliance with AOL and DIRECTV, HNS has established a leadership position in providing enhanced TV and interactive services in addition to its role as a leading manufacturer of interactive set-top boxes for cable and satellite systems and a major supplier to DIRECTV.
About ASTRA-NET
SES Multimedia S.A. owned 100% by SES, operates ASTRA-NET, Europe's open and standard-based broadband-satellite multimedia and data distribution platform. ASTRA-NET enables Content and Service Providers to transmit content directly to addressed PCs in businesses and homes. The transmission technology employs established standards, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) and the digital transmission standard (DVB/MPEG). The data is received via a small (50 cm), single, fixed satellite dish, pointed towards the ASTRA satellites on 19.2° East. The hardware for the broadband reception via ASTRA-NET, can easily be integrated to existing IT network-infrastructures. Data is transferred at net rate speeds of up to 6.5 Mbit/s to individual PCs, equipped with an ASTRA-NET PC-card, and of up to 38 Mbit/s to high-end servers. The deployed addressing and encryption system provides maximum transmission security and reliability.
