BREDBANDSBOLAGET chooses THOMSON as supplier for Digital TV head end for distribution over broadband IP network

BREDBANDSBOLAGET chooses THOMSON as supplier for Digital TV head end for distribution over broadband IP network. Bredbandsbolaget (B2) has recently signed a system delivery agreement with THOMSON broadcast systems for the supply of a multichannel digital head end. The purpose of which is the distribution of Digital TV and Radio services over B2´s broadband IP network. The system, which was jointly designed by THOMSON and B2, is unique in its kind as it offers downlink and re-transmission of full broadcast Television over B2´s nation-wide broadband gigabit Ethernet network. A high level of redundancy has been built in from the beginning in order to ensure quality operation around the clock. A key element in this system is THOMSON's Network Management System that will be able to control third party products. This system is a very large installation in that it caters for the processing of up to 128 digital Television and Radio channels. Its complexity rests on both the implementation of a Network Management System, as well as on B2´s leading edge demands in the delivery of broadcast services over IP networks. - The technology we are acquiring from Thomson will enable us to launch our IP TV service next year, says Lars Åke Norling, CTO at B2. We will offer a range of IP based services from telephony to TV including advanced ISP. With this IP-centric vision, we will gradually be able to offer unique and very innovative aggregation of all media. - We saw a very strong interest from all respondents to our RFP (Request for Proposal) but it was evident that we needed to push the industry for this type of application, explains Lars Åke Norling, CTO at B2. THOMSON´s offer was the broadest, and their choice in device composition was very solution-oriented. - As it is the first demand in Europe for such a system for distribution of a complete offerings of TV and radio channels over IP, we were very interested in participating in this major project, thus pioneering the application with B2, says Jean-Marc Budin, Sales vice-president at THOMSON broadcast system. - Thanks to our expertise and long experience in designing advanced turnkey systems for the distribution of digital television (whether on cable, terrestrial and satellite based networks ), we were in a good position to take up this challenge" adds Jean-Marc Budin. - We take advantage of our strong experience to offer as much as we can in terms of expertise and comprehensive and innovative solution to B2. While the services offered at the launch will be basic television, the system is the foundation for both enhanced and interactive TV. For more information please contact: Bredbandsbolaget; Ulrika Andersson, PR/ Information Manager B2, +46-8-406 95 00 ulrika.andersson@bredband.com THOMSON broadcast systems: Claudine Cécille, PR & Communication, +33 1 34 20 70 71, cecillec@thmulti.com About THOMSON broadcast systems: THOMSON broadcast systems, a subsidiary of THOMSON multimedia, develops, produces and markets broadcast equipment for the complete digital image chain from production and post-production to transmission and broadcasting. THOMSON broadcast systems also provides turnkey solutions for complete systems (production and post-production studios, OB and SNG vans, TV channel playout, digital head-ends for satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasting applications). For more information: http://www.thomsonbroadcast.com About B2 Bredband AB ("Bredbandsbolaget") B2 Bredband AB, ("Bredbandsbolaget") is a leading broadband communications company providing 10 megabits per second, fiber-optic network access and related broadband services primarily to residential as well as small- and medium-sized business customers. Bredbandsbolaget is currently rolling out an extensive fiber-optic network linking key metropolitan areas in Sweden and Norway. Within these metropolitan areas, B2 is building out fiber-optic networks to customers' buildings and switched Ethernet networks within customers' buildings. In co-operation with its content and service partners, including NTL, Framfab and Cisco, B2 will be launching services such as IP television, IP telephony, video- on-demand, pay-as-you-use services and property- related services. These will be offered through its specially designed interactive customer broadband interface, or portal. Bredbandsbolaget operates in Sweden and Norway and intends to expand the development of its network and service offerings throughout Europe. Bredbandsbolaget was founded in 1998 and currently employees more than 275 people and had 26,800 homes installed to its network. NTL is the largest investor with a 25% stake in the company. Other investors include Framfab, Intel, Investor, The Carlyle Group ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/10/03/20001003BIT00390/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/10/03/20001003BIT00390/bit0002.pdf