Ethernet File Transfer Offers Broadcast and Video Professionals a Cost-Effective Digital Alternative to Microwave and Satellite Transmissions
NEW YORK, September 18, 2003 - Sony Electronics Inc. and Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced that they have successfully transferred digital broadcast video and audio segments across Level 3's wide area Ethernet network using Sony's e-VTR technology.
Representing the merging of synchronous video/audio systems and asynchronous data networks, Sony's e-VTR involves an add-on option that enables Sony MPEG IMX VTRs to connect to Ethernet networks. With the e-VTR option, MPEG IMX VTRs can transfer video and audio segments as files over IP networks to or from other MPEG IMX VTRs, servers or nonlinear editing systems anywhere in the world. This asynchronous distribution introduces significant production and workflow advantages. In addition, the accompanying e-VTR Manager software enables remote control of VTRs, allowing, for instance, a technical director in New York to roll tape on a VTR in Moscow.
"With the e-VTR on Level 3's network, broadcasters can now enjoy the benefits that Ethernet networks can provide, which can include improved operational efficiencies and workflow management, and lower transmission costs," said Stephen Jacobs, senior vice president for Sony's Broadcast and Production Services Division. "Sony's industry leading e-VTR systems and Level 3's Ethernet data networking capabilities give broadcast and video professionals the opportunity to innovatively exploit these benefits today."
"In essence, it's like having a very long Ethernet cable that connects multiple video production facilities regardless of location: across town, across the country, and around the globe."
In the recent testing phase of the e-VTR, the team of Sony and Level 3 engineers successfully transferred 50 and 30 Mbps broadcast 4:2:2 digital video segments across a local network. The team also successfully transferred the video segments across a wide area network from a Sony e-VTR between Denver and Washington, D.C. and between Denver and Dallas using Level 3's (3)Flex Ethernet service.
"(3)Flex Ethernet allows broadcast and video professionals to capitalize on the low cost and simplicity of Ethernet technology in a secure, high-performance network environment," said Charles Meyers, president of IP and Data Services for Level 3. "Our Ethernet service can be accessed very easily from anywhere a conventional local loop can be ordered. And with our new local access capability, we can provide an end-to-end Ethernet service that also offers distance-agnostic, usage-based pricing that further reduces video transmission costs."
(3)Flex Ethernet, announced yesterday, enables customers to extend Ethernet's ease of use from the LAN to the WAN and supports growing needs for bandwidth through a cost effective, secure solution that offers high performance guarantees. The product is a Layer 2 based managed Ethernet wide area networking (WAN) service. Customers can purchase (3)Flex Ethernet service from Level 3 in more than 75 major markets in the U.S. and Europe.
About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT), an international communications company, operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, connecting 180 markets in 18 countries. The company serves a broad range of wholesale, enterprise and content customers with a comprehensive suite of services including: Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, voice and voice over IP services, content delivery and media distribution services. These services provide the building blocks to enable Level 3’s customers to meet their growing demands for advanced communications solutions. The company’s Web address is www.Level3.com.
"Level 3 Communications,” "Level 3," the red 3D brackets and the Level 3 Communications logo are registered service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service, product or company names recited herein may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statement
Some of the statements that we make in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals include, but are not limited to our ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on our network; defend our intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of our debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
