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Horizon Telcom Uses RGB Networks' Video Multiprocessing Gateway to Deliver More HDTV to its IPTV Subscribers

HDTV is an increasingly popular service with Horizon's subscribers and the need to offer more HD channels is critically important to staying ahead of satellite competitors. However, the fact that the majority of the new HD programming available to Horizon is delivered in MPEG-2 caused an issue for the operator, whose IPTV service is based on MPEG-4/H.264. This situation created the need for a transcoding solution to easily and cost-effectively convert the incoming MPEG-2 streams to MPEG-4/H.264.

After an extensive side-by-side evaluation with other commercial products, Horizon chose RGB's VMG, with its plug-in TCM blade, for its advanced transcoding capabilities, specifically the ability to convert MPEG-2 programs into MPEG-4/H.264 in real-time while maintaining optimum picture quality. Another important factor that led Horizon to select the carrier-class VMG is its extensive redundancy features, which ensure reliable service delivery. Based on their initial success, Horizon plans to expand its VMG deployments in the near future.

"RGB's VMG has enabled us to not only meet our customers' demands for HDTV, but to also stay ahead of our competition with the widespread delivery of HDTV to our entire video subscriber base," said Misty Tuttle, Broadband Services Manager of Horizon Telcom. "The VMG's transcoding capabilities have significantly improved workflow and reduced the operational expenses associated with converting MPEG-2 to MPEG-4. The end result for us is satisfied customers, which has always been our top priority."

As the majority of programming is still delivered to video service providers in MPEG-2, IPTV providers like Horizon that use the more bandwidth-efficient MPEG-4/H.264 format must convert the programming they receive. Accomplishing this conversion across a full channel line-up in a cost-effective manner is not easily done with low-density transcoders. RGB's VMG, with its substantial stream processing capacity and single management system, is the ideal solution.

The VMG is a complete IPTV solution that uniquely combines multiple video processing functions, including transcoding and ad insertion, with the ability to process over 400 video streams simultaneously. Performing multiple processing applications on so many video streams enables IPTV providers to simplify their network architecture and greatly reduces per-stream processing costs, enabling faster and broader deployment of services with reduced complexity. The VMG uses a modular, carrier-class chassis with exceptional redundancy features to ensure reliable delivery and scalable deployments.

"We are very pleased with Horizon's successful deployment of the VMG. As more and more operators put our unique platform into service in their networks, they are experiencing similar results-satisfied subscribers and an enhanced bottom line," said Nabil Kanaan, Sr. Director, Product Marketing for RGB Networks. "Once deployed, the modular VMG can easily scale to add more capacity and functionality without the operational costs and headaches associated with 'pizza box' solutions."

About Horizon Telcom

With corporate offices in Chillicothe, Ohio, Horizon Telcom is a leading broadband provider of advanced data services in southern and eastern Ohio. Utilizing its extensive network of fiber optic cable, Horizon delivers advanced high speed data services, Internet, voice, digital video, security and monitoring services. Horizon's entrepreneurial heritage and long-standing commitment to remarkable customer care ensures its devotion to connecting its customers to their worlds through the delivery of cutting-edge broadband technology and proven telecommunication systems.

For more information about Horizon, visit the company's website at www.horizontel.com.

About RGB Networks

RGB Networks enables video service providers to migrate to a three screen environment for the delivery of linear and on-demand video over managed and unmanaged IP networks. The company's success is based on core strengths in transcoding, advertising and overlay insertion, ultra-dense modulation and statistical multiplexing. RGB's solutions for video delivery to TVs, desktop and mobile devices are built to deliver the highest video quality at the best price-performance on the market-they uniquely offer the density and scalability required to support the growing demands of consumers with integrated functionality that simplifies operators' network architectures and minimizes operational costs. RGB's products are deployed by over 200 cable, telco, satellite, OTT and mobile operators in 30+ countries. Backed by principal investors Accel Partners, Kleiner Perkins Kaufield and Byers, and Comcast Interactive, RGB is a private, profitable company based in Sunnyvale, California with offices around the world. For more information, please visit www.rgbnetworks.com.

For more information about RGB Networks and its unique video processing solutions, please visit www.rgbnetworks.com.

RGB Press Contacts, Americas:
Mobility Public Relations
John Giddings or Tamara Parker, 650-245-2782
rgb@mobilitypr.com