November 22, 2002
VSI1 CONTRIBUTION TO FRED
VSI1 multimedia CD-ROM project supported by Bitband, ETI, Expedient Media Solutions, Harmonic, Kreatel, Olson Technology, SkyStream Networks and Viodi.
Last week’s TelcoTV conference in New Orleans provided the backdrop for the contribution of six hundred dollars to FRED (Foundation for Rural Education and Development), which was a result of the production and distribution of the VSI1 (Video Solutions for Independence) multimedia CD-ROM. Steve Pastorkovich, Director of Business Development for OPASTCO (Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies) accepted the donation on behalf of FRED.
The intent of the VSI-series of CD-ROMs is to educate independent telephone companies with regards to the available choices as they add video to their mix of existing services. It is also the aim of the VSI program to give back to the foundations that help the independent telephone companies and their customers. FRED’s mission is to promote activities that improve rural educational, social and economic conditions. FRED awards over $150,000 in scholarships and grants each year to rural students, residents and communities served by OPASTCO members.
Melissa Korzuch, Executive Director of FRED explained, “We are pleased to work with organizations that focus on the independent telephone market and that are willing to support our ongoing efforts to advance education in rural America.”
Representing the VSI1 effort, Ken Pyle, Vice President of Viodi LLC, stated, “It is critical, particularly in this challenging economic environment, for a close relationship in the vendor and telecom provider community. Contributing to FRED is our way of giving back to an organization that helps our customers’ strengthen their communities.”
The VSI1 CD-ROM is the first in a series of educational efforts to provide useful information regarding products and services geared to help independent telcos deploy advanced video services. For more information, please send a request to vsi at viodi.com or go to http://www.viodi.com/vsi1/ln/ln.htm.
ABOUT THE VSI1 PARTICIPANTS:
About Bitband, Inc. – http://www.bitband.com
BitBand is a leading provider of Video On Demand solutions for Broadband IP networks. BitBand develops and markets unique solutions for a broad range of IP-TV environments and industries. BitBand VisionTM appliance servers offer unique simplicity, reliability and scalability, together with content protection. Vision servers are complemented by BitBand MaestroTM Content Distribution and Server Management Suite, to form the field proven widest scaling and most cost-effective solution existing today – from the smallest hotel to the largest Telco. Among BitBand’s customers are FTTH based “New Generation Service Providers”, CLECs using ADSL, and hospitality centered service providers. BitBand partners with suppliers of other components of the iTV system, such as STBs and iTV applications to provide the operator with a complete end to end solution.
About ETI – http://www.etisoftware.com
ETI (Enhanced Telecommunications, Inc.) – ETI’s software solutions facilitate single-statement billing and flow-through provisioning of high-speed access, cable TV services and pay-per-view purchases when bundled with traditional telephone company services. They also provide digital video processing and scheduling software for ad-insertion, local origination and on-demand applications. ETI has 10 years of experience providing systems to over 100 cable operators.
About Expedient Media Solutions, Inc. – http://www.expedientmedia.com
Expedient Media Solutions (EMS) is an independent provider of third-party Interactive Television systems and provides system integration and implementation services, portal development and customization, content renewal service, and technical support and maintenance of customer systems. EMS has extensive expertise in digital compression systems, satellite distribution systems, and interactive content/subscriber management systems. EMS is a member of the international ISO/MPEG video compression standards organization with an active staff member making contributions on our behalf.
About FRED – http://www.fred.org
The Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED) is a 501/(C)(3) charitable foundation located in Washington, D.C. with an affiliation with the Organization and Promotion for the Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO). FRED’s mission is to promote activities that improve rural educational, social and economic conditions. Over $150,000 in scholarships and grants are awarded each year to rural students, residents and communities served by OPASTCO members.
About Harmonic, Inc. – http://www.harmonicinc.com
Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to network operators. Harmonic enables its customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.
About Kreatel, Inc. – http://www.kreatel.com
Kreatel offers a complete IP-based Set-Top Box system consisting of IP-STB hardware and software for video-on-demand, multicast broadband television and internet on the tv-set. Kreatel has quickly established itself as a world-leading company within development and marketing of IP set-top box systems for interactive TV services in broadband networks. The system is successfully deployed by several operators totaling more than 30,000 Kreatel IP-STB Set-top boxes.
About Olson Technology, Inc. – http://www.olsontech.com
OLSON TECHNOLOGY INC. designs and manufacturers a wide range of both CATV Head-End and Optical Transmission/ Receiving Equipment for Broadband Telecommunications Systems. It also provides Multi-Channel Analog/Digital Head Ends used by most of the commercial airlines for on-board video entertainment systems.
About SkyStream Networks, Inc. – http://www.skystream.com
SkyStream Networks develops market-leading networking solutions for advanced video and IP services. Our solutions enable our service provider, enterprise and federal customers to deliver enhanced video and IP services cost-effectively over wired and wireless networks. SkyStream’s customers and partners include BT, Clear Channel, Convergent Media Systems, EchoStar Communications Corporation, Gilat, Harris Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, New Skies Satellites, Sony, Telefonica and Telespazio. SkyStream Networks’ Website can be found on the Internet at www.skystream.com.
About Viodi, LLC – http://www.viodi.com
Founded in 2001, Viodi, LLC (pronounced V-O-D) assists Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) in the acquisition, management and marketing of video services. Viodi essentially becomes an extension of its clients’ staff, providing expertise in programming, technology integration and marketing for both scheduled and on-demand content. Viodi’s team has been involved in numerous cutting-edge residential and hospitality deployments, worldwide. Additionally, Viodi is the Producer of the Video Solutions for Independence CD-ROM.
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The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
Melissa Strovers
(408) 551-0320
vsi at viodi.com
