OT - HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2002--
XS Network Showcases Its .NET-Based Live, Broadcast-Ready Camera
Network
Microsoft Corp. and XS Network, a leading provider of multimedia
lifestyle marketing and broadcast distribution announced a partnership
in which XS Network will showcase Microsoft's new, unreleased .Net
Server Environment and the Media 9 Series Platform.
XS Network has implemented .NET as the backbone to its core
business -- broadcast creation and distribution based on a worldwide
live-camera network.
"(Microsoft's) Digital Media has the potential to redefine the
possibilities for new experiences and services over the Internet, in
the living room and in companies around the world," said Will Poole,
vice president of the Windows(R) Digital Media Division at Microsoft.
"Windows Media 9 Series is designed to deliver the major step forward
in functionality and performance the industry needs to realize this
potential."
XS Network is already using the .NET environment to broadcast its
webcasts and movie previews. "This is just a sample of things to
come," said Chris Carmichael, chairman of XS Network, "The partnership
between XS Network and Microsoft will leverage both companies as being
the pioneer in digital-quality broadcasts, with feeds available in
multiple formats ranging from high-definition to Interactive
Television to 3G cell phones such as the Microsoft SmartPhone."
"Bill Gates has been a continued leader in technology. The .Net
Media 9 Series Platform will change the architecture of the entire
industry," Carmichael said. ".NET will also set precedence in the
future of Interactive Television. Our camera network is positioned to
play a large role in Interactive Television."
Under the terms of the multifaceted partnership, both companies
will share in the deployment of resources to manage the tools,
consulting and support required for XS Network to maximize their
ability to provide critical media services that showcase Microsoft's
products.
As part of the XS Network's digital infrastructure, they have
installed Hawaii's first island-wide wireless and satellite network
and are already working with Outrigger Hotels & Resorts to provide
high-bandwidth media solutions to their 45 properties throughout the
Pacific Rim. XS Network has also begun installation on their network
at The Turtle Bay Resort, on the remote side of Oahu's North Shore.
The wireless and satellite network allows XS Network to put
broadcast-ready cameras at otherwise inaccessible locations around the
world.
XS Network is delivering reliable, real-time broadcasts to
audiences while at the same time utilizing powerful advertising and
logging features to generate and track revenue. XS Network's dynamic
content programming capabilities and server-side play-list support
enable them to control their ad-driven business activities with
real-time ad insertion and the ability to cross-market digital media
without interrupting the audience's viewing experience.
For example, the company can dynamically play a movie preview
before or during a webcast or push the sale of an Xbox game while
watching a surf contest on XS Network's online property, XSCity.com.
.NET prides itself on being a simple, yet robust solution. After
several months of having .NET in production, XS Network has validated
those claims. The company has also taken advantage of .NET's Fast
Stream technology. Fast Stream automatically optimizes the delivery of
streaming audio and video to take advantage of the full bandwidth
available to the user.
This reduces the impact of congestion on the Web while bringing
home-theater-like digital media to their audience. The technology also
reduces costs because it can serve up twice as many streams as was
able by the previous generation of media servers.
About XS Network
Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XS Network Inc. is a privately held
lifestyle marketing and multimedia broadcast distribution company. Its
exclusive technology, patents and partnerships with businesses
worldwide has the company positioned to be the leader in the
interactive live broadcast market. The company creates licenses and
distributes its content for television, HDTV, wireless and Web
applications.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader
in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and
business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and
services designed to empower people through great software -- any
time, any place and on any device.
Note to Editors: The names of actual companies and products
mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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CONTACT: XS Network Inc., Aliso Viejo
Chris Carmichael, 949/349-1550
cc@xscity.com
