SkyStream Networks
Enabling Web and digital video to be delivered over broadcast networks
As a leading provider of broadband networking products, SkyStream offers broadcasters an easy way to deliver media-rich Internet content over satellite, cable and digital TV networks.
Have you ever tried to attend a live Webcast on your PC and run into technical jags that made it less than fun? Relax, it's not you. According to Jim Olson, CEO of SkyStream Networks, the network is the force--and the right one just wasn't with you that day.
Live web events, such as the broadcast of Victoria's Secret Fashion show have been technically challenged, claims Olson. "They didn't reach most people, since most couldn't access the web site. And those that could often found the audio didn't work or the video wasn't synched with the audio, or something else was amiss..."
The problem? It's in the network, says Olson. The Internet is built to communicate between individuals and small groups in a transactional sense. "It is a lot different when we're trying to watch a live web event, or run a movie trailer on the web--or we're trying to add video to e-commerce applications."
Broadcast networks become transport for rich content
While bandwidth-thirsty content aimed at a wide audience to millions simultaneously may not fly on today's Internet--there is a solution, says Olson. "What if we look to another network--one that has been in place delivering "live video and audio" for decades, that's quickly going digital?"
It was 1996 when SkyStream's founders saw that the broadcast network held great promise for transporting rich content--and that broadcast network providers would soon need to add Internet data services to their offerings. Yet, to move media-rich Internet content over a broadcast network would require a new breed of product.
In response, SkyStream set out to pioneer a new standards-based technology aimed at the converging Internet and broadcast markets, says Olson. The result is SkyStream's source media router product line, a set of broadband networking products that allow broadcasters to inject Internet content into a secure, broadcast transmission stream, using the existing network of a satellite, cable and/or digital broadcast provider.
Intel Capital Invests in SkyStream
While SkyStream was putting its broadband networking products in place, Intel Capital was also exploring the broadband Internet arena. "In fact, in 1998, Intel and SkyStream did a trial project with a PBS station. We broadcast a 90-minute Frank Lloyd Wright documentary over SkyStream equipment to PCs for a digital television network," says Olson.
From this collaboration, the relationship blossomed, says Olson, "Intel Capital was interested in how our technology could help enable a broadband Internet, and saw SkyStream's solution as one of many exciting ways to do that," says Olson, "We were also interested in Intel. For one thing, SkyStream uses Intel processors in our product. Also, being a small company then, we thought Intel could give us introductions to more broadcasters."
After meeting with the SkyStream team, Intel Capital saw that SkyStream's technology could increase the reach of broadband data communications to enable new forms of rich data broadcast applications and services. For this reason, Intel Capital invested in SkyStream in 1999.
A Good Investment Match
SkyStream officially released its first products in January 1998, enabling broadcasters to move media-rich content through the world's largest broadcast networks, including those of Colorado-based Echostar, New York's Granite Broadcasting, Switzerland's Cablecom and Australia's TPG Internet.
According to Olson, Intel Capital has been a good investment match, offering SkyStream some great connections. "They've introduced us to many potential customers and technology partners, and have helped us build a close relationship with PBS and other television stations. They've also introduced us to ATVEF (Advanced Television Enhancement Forum), an important industry standards body forum in our space."
Intel has also given SkyStream useful feedback on its products and technologies says Olson, who adds that Intel has purchased many of SkyStream's products for its labs to explore the benefits and promise of data broadcasting. "They've given us feedback on what their customers are saying, and the types of technologies we need to add to our current product family. We've adopted many of these suggestions."
In addition, Intel Capital has given SkyStream the impetus to move more aggressively into the digital broadcast television arena. Says Olson, "When we met Intel we were making products for the satellite broadcast and digital TV industries but needed assistance to build relationships with the Internet and television businesses -- Through their connections and the help they've provided, Intel and Intel Capital were very instrumental in helping us build momentum into these marketplaces." Intel has also gained much insight from the relationship with SkyStream, says Olson. "From working with us and with our products, Intel has learned a lot more about native broadcast technology and how a broadcaster can move into the Internet content delivery business..."
"Intel Capital has been a very good match for SkyStream. Because we share a similar vision--which is to bring the power of the Internet to broadcast networks and to bring the power of broadcast networking technology to the Internet--we've had a very cooperative relationship. We've collaborated, shared ideas and introduced each other to industry players to help make this vision a reality. And Intel Capital has given us great feedback. Overall, both companies have benefited tremendously."
Jim Olson
CEO
SkyStream Networks
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AT A GLANCE...
SkyStream Networks
CEO:
Jim Olson
LOCATION:
Mountain View, CA
FOUNDED:
1996
INTEL INVESTED:
1999
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For more information, contact SkyStream Networks, Intel Capital.
Last updated: May 2000
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