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Videotron Selects BigBand Networks for Digital and High Definition TV Infrastructure; Operator Utilizes Advanced Networking for Service Assurance and Remote Sourcing

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 December 2004, 09:00 CST

BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of network platforms for video, voice and data services, today announced that Videotron, the third largest Canadian cable network operator, has selected the Broadband Multimedia-Service Router (BMR(R)) to manage digital broadcasting of standard and high definition television programming. This deployment uses advanced networking technologies to connect facilities serving more than 250,000 digital subscribers throughout the Montreal area.

"Videotron's digital TV services are defining the future of television as a vital information service and BigBand Networks' reliable platforms realize this promise for our subscribers across Quebec," said Mohamed Drif, senior director of engineering for Videotron. "The BigBand BMR's versatility provides the best solution for our needs as it supports maximum video quality including high definition with efficient network transport over long distances."

The BigBand BMR manages channel line-ups of high definition and standard digital programs provided by Videotron. RateShaping(R) bit rate adaptation is applied to both formats for real-time control over video quality and bandwidth efficiency of each program. Video-aware networking intelligently distributes live digital video content among headend and hub facilities according to standard networking protocols, with edge media processing to assure video quality and program availability.

"As an established quality and reliability leader, Videotron's selection of the BigBand BMR validates the platform's flexibility and high performance for a range of digital programming services," said Richard Peske, vice president of product marketing for video solutions of BigBand Networks. "Videotron can leverage the BigBand BMR's open programmability for ongoing enhancements to subscriber services and to network operation economics."

About BigBand Networks

BigBand Networks, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells and supports platforms for broadband multimedia services. These platforms are built on the company's NativeMedia(R) technology uniquely capable of communicating and processing video, voice and data in their native formats. The field-upgradeable architecture combines advanced hardware and software technologies for high performance with agility to optimize for each service supported. This enables network operators to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced, interactive services. Services supported by BigBand Networks' platforms include high-speed data, voice over IP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD and iTV. The company's customers include seven of the top ten North American cable operators. BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, Calif. For more information on BigBand Networks, please visit www.bigbandnet.com.

About Videotron

Videotron Itee, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is an integrated communications company engaged in cable television, interactive multimedia development and Internet access services. Videotron is a leader in new technologies with its illico interactive television system and its broadband network, which supports high-speed cable Internet access, analog and digital cable television, and other services. Videotron serves 1.4 million cable television customers in Quebec, including more than 287,000 illico subscribers. Videotron is also the Quebec leader in high-speed cable Internet access, with 473,000 subscribers to its cable modem and dial-up services.

Source: Business Wire

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