P:Mosaic Delivers Multiple Live Feeds Selected by Viewer; Supports Simple Subscriber Navigation and Operator Branding

Grande Communications(R) First To Deploy Feature to Customers

Cable and IPTV network operators can offer customers an unprecedented navigation experience on television that includes simultaneous live views of multiple channels and Web-like personalization with the live deployment of the revolutionary P:Mosaic from ICTV.

P:Mosaic, a channel on the ActiveVideo Distribution Network (see companion release), breaks new ground in viewer navigation by creating a dynamic environment that combines full viewer engagement with the high quality and immediate responsiveness of television. By deploying P:Mosaic, network operators can for the first time enable subscribers to build personalized menus from the hundreds of available channels according to individual preferences, manage preferences from Web-connected devices, view and preview television channels simultaneously and interact with targeted, auditable and actionable advertising.

"In an environment of competing media stimuli, the video-centric navigation provided by P:Mosaic is key to ensuring that television continues to hold the attention of today's viewers," said Jeff Miller, president and CEO of ICTV. "Network operators are seeking innovative solutions like P:Mosaic that can attract and maintain viewers of the industry's core video products and enable the sale and delivery of higher value television advertising via direct interaction with each subscriber."

P:Mosaic leverages the ability of ActiveVideo to distribute Web media universally through the television with no new investment in CPE hardware or PC-to-TV integration. P:Mosaic, which has been designed by the ICTV ActiveMedia Group to be customized and branded exclusively for individual network operators, is initially being deployed by Grande Communications Networks, Inc. in its San Marcos, Texas market. Grande is deploying P:Mosaic through its "GrandeVision(TM)" service. Grande Communications Networks, Inc. is a competitive broadband services provider in six major markets in Texas.

"GrandeVision(TM) is a breakthrough service that will help us to maintain our position as an innovator in the markets we serve," said Grande Chief Service Officer Chad Jones. "It will change the way our customers enjoy cable by offering them a multitude of customizable, cutting-edge options for video services."

Grande initially will make available 20 channels, five of which will be viewable at any one time, for mosaic navigation. The GrandeVision(TM) service will allow customers to use their remote controls to navigate through feeds, interact with Web-driven video and banner ads and add or delete channels that are available on the mosaic.

"The increasing number of television programming choices creates a need for solutions that simplify the process of finding and watching content of interest," said Nizar Allibhoy, ICTV senior vice president and general manager of the ICTV ActiveMedia Group. "We anticipate that the unique, intuitive and customizable interface of P:Mosaic will make it a key destination for subscribers seeking ease of navigation, as well as a valuable piece of on-screen real estate for programmers and advertisers."

ActiveVideo composites linear and on-demand programming with Web media into personalized video streams in the network and delivers those streams to any digital set-top box as standard MPEG. Subscribers can navigate through, and interact with, individual elements of the stream using the buttons on their remote controls. Because content can be created and modified using standard Web tools and talent, network operators, programmers and advertisers can create content once for delivery to every cable and IPTV set-top box, regardless of hardware, middleware and guide differences.

In addition to P:Mosaic, the ActiveVideo platform delivers ActiveVideo Channels, which allow network operators and programmers to make the broadest possible lineup of content available as personalized, interactive experiences that include video, navigational elements, channel branding, targeted, interactive banner advertisements and links to different video segments.

About Grande Communications(R)

Headquartered in San Marcos, Grande Communications Networks, Inc. (www.grandecom.com) is building a deep-fiber broadband network to homes and businesses from the ground up. Grande delivers high-speed Internet, local and long-distance telephone and digital cable services over its own advanced network to communities in Texas. Grande's bundled service area includes portions of Austin, Corpus Christi, suburban northwest Dallas, Midland, Odessa, San Antonio, San Marcos and Waco. Grande also leverages its telephony and data infrastructure by serving enterprises and communications carriers nationwide with broadband transport services and network services. Grande's voice network terminates traffic worldwide, offering both traditional and IP-based services; its managed modem network provides coverage nationwide; and its private line and metropolitan networks provide optical services in Texas and surrounding states. Grande's 3,100-fiber-mile network incorporates SONET-based technology for protection, diversity and optimal performance.

About ICTV

ICTV(R) delivers ActiveVideo, a network-based platform enabling Web media to be universally distributed through television and other devices. ActiveVideo engages viewers in a dynamic environment with high-quality video and targeted, interactive advertisements. The platform uses standards-based distribution technologies allowing network operators, programmers and advertisers to extend Web workflows to new screens and provide a limitless array of personalized content that is enhanced with Web-driven interaction. The company is based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with offices in Los Angeles, Baltimore and the United Kingdom. Strategic investors include Liberty Media, Motorola, OpenTV and Lauder Partners.

Source: ICTV

Web site:
http://www.ictv.com/
http://www.grandecom.com/