The folks at Peach Networks sent in this news item:

Viewgraphics' MediaPump XL Helps Peach Networks Deliver Interactive Content To Cable Subscribers
Powerful DVB-ASI MPEG-2 video interface for PCI-based servers is helping deliver interactive content to cable subscribers

(10 SEP 1999) - IBC, Amsterdam, Netherlands - Viewgraphics today announced that Peach Networks, the company that enables cable subscribers to access Microsoft Windows applications and the Internet via the television, is using Viewgraphics' MediaPump XL MPEG-2 digital video multiplexer adapter board to deliver interactive content to cable subscribers.

Peach Networks focuses on providing solutions that bring interactive content - including the Internet and the world of PC applications - to cable TV subscribers. Peach Networks gives cable system operators an economical way to add new content to their cable subscription package, changing the way subscribers use their TVs.

Using patent-pending technology, Peach's system is capable of delivering almost any application written to run on Microsoft Windows without any changes made to the Windows application. This is done by using the digital set-top to display the application, which actually runs on the Peach Networks Interactive Media Server at the headend.

At the heart of Peach Networks' Interactive Media Server is Viewgraphics' MediaPump XL. Peach Networks chose MediaPump XL based on their need for proven MPEG-2 transport stream interface technology, strict adherence to DVB and MPEG-2 compliance, and a concise fully realized programming interface.

"Viewgraphics is in the business of facilitating advanced digital broadcast solutions based on an open systems approach," said Jagan Narayanan, Viewgraphics' director of broadcast products. "Our MPEG-2 interface technology makes it possible for digital television pioneers like Peach Networks to focus on their added value without worrying about the nuts and bolts of MPEG-2 streaming. In short, they were able to quickly hit the market with a professional broadcast product."

"We chose the MediaPump XL board because it is the clear market leader in MPEG-2 transport stream interface technology," said Avishai Keren, vice president, research and development for Peach Networks. "The programming interface is clear and straight-forward and the signal quality is fully compliant with all the standards critical to the market acceptance of our product."

MediaPump technology has been instrumental in enabling industry-standard Windows NT computers, used by Peach Networks, as well as UNIX-based computers to function as powerful yet low-cost MPEG-2 digital video servers. With a proven track record for compatibility and reliability, and more than two years of continuous live operation and hundreds of channels currently on-air, Viewgraphics' technology sets the standard for DVB compliant MPEG-2 server technology. MediaPump mux-adapters provide the missing link for integration of end-to-end digital broadcast systems such as video on demand (VOD), near video on demand (NVOD), pay-per-view movie systems, hotel systems, local commercial insertion, IP data insertion, electronic news gathering and digital cinema applications.

Peach Networks, Ltd., of Or-Yehuda, Israel, is committed to converting television sets into interactive devices by using them to deliver the highest quality Windows and multimedia applications and Internet content to cable subscribers. Peach Networks, Inc., based in Portland, ME, is responsible for Marketing, Sales and Support of the Access Channel products for North America, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Peach Networks, Ltd. Peach Networks is 60% owned by Elbit, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELBTF) (http://www.elbitcom.co.il). For further information, contact Peach Networks, Ltd. at 1-C Yoni Netanyahu Street, Or-Yehuda, 60376, Israel; Telephone: (972) 3634-4544; Fax: (972) 3634-4543; Web: om. E-mail: info@peach-networks.com

Founded in 1985, Viewgraphics, Inc. manufactures a growing line of advanced video, imaging and computer interface products targeted at film and video production, broadcast and research applications. For further information contact Viewgraphics, Inc. at: 1340 Space Park Way, Mountain View, CA 94043; Telephone: (650) 903-4900; Fax: (650) 969-6388; Web: http://www.viewgraphics.com.

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Media Pump, Media Splice and Viewgraphics are trademarks of Viewgraphics Incorporated. All other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contact:

Sarah Kavanagh
PR for Viewgraphics
Tel: 650-726-3482
sk@coastside.net

Paul Schneider
PR for Peach Networks
Tel: 215-702-9784
pspr@worldnet.att.net

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