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Sorenson Spark Powers Video Playback on the Verizon Hub

Posted on: Thursday, 2 April 2009, 09:15 CDT

Sorenson Spark, Today's Most Widely Viewed Video Codec, Enables Verizon Hub Customers to View High-Quality Video on the New Home Phone System

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN DIEGO, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- From CTIA WIRELESS 2009(R), Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, and Sorenson Media today announced Verizon Wireless has licensed Sorenson Spark video technology from Sorenson Media for use in the new touch screen home phone system, the Verizon Hub.

Sorenson Spark is the industry's most widely accessed digital video codec and enables Verizon Hub customers to watch video on their home telephone in the same seamless way they view Internet video playback on their personal computers. Verizon Hub customers tap into Sorenson Spark technology to access news, sports and other video content in Adobe Flash(R) format, today's de facto standard for Web video.

Available exclusively from Verizon Wireless, the Verizon Hub provides busy families with on-demand access to an array of services and information from an easy-to-navigate touch screen. The home communications command center bridges wireline connectivity and wireless functionality and runs on any broadband connection -- whether supplied by Verizon (FiOS Internet or DSL) or any other high-speed Internet service provider.

Mike Lanman, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said, "One of the most exciting features for Verizon Hub customers is the ability to watch video on their home phones. By integrating Sorenson Spark, our customers benefit from access to high-quality video playback in the industry's most common format."

Sorenson Media's Chief Executive Officer Peter Csathy, said, "Sorenson Spark continues to be the most cost-effective solution for Adobe Flash playback on the Web and on other portable media devices. We're pleased to help Verizon Hub customers enjoy a high-quality video experience on this innovative home communication system."

Pricing and Availability

Customers need a wireless line of service from Verizon Wireless to purchase the Verizon Hub. In addition to the equipment, customers need a Verizon Digital Voice plan for the Verizon Hub, which is $34.99 a month and offers unlimited calling in the U.S., Canada, and U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, as well as unlimited messaging to and from Verizon Wireless phones. All of these services will appear on the customer's Verizon Wireless monthly bill.

The Verizon Hub is available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement; additional cordless handsets, which can be placed throughout the home, are available for $79.99 each. For customers who do not own a wireless router, Verizon Wireless also offers a router to work with the Verizon Hub for $69.99.

For more information on the Verizon Hub, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hub.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Sorenson Media

Sorenson Media (www.sorensonmedia.com), the global leader for encoding and compression applications, provides software solutions that enable users to easily and affordably compress, manage and deliver high-quality video over the Internet and to CDs, DVDs, mobile devices and other formats. Additionally, the company provides innovative Web-based platforms for publishing, editing and managing professional and user-generated video content, and for the development of customizable media sharing sites. From its inception in 1995, Sorenson Media has been at the forefront of leading trends offering award-winning technology and products that dramatically improve the Internet experience for developers and users alike.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

Source: PR Newswire

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