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Lasoo On-Demand IPTV
Service Gives Content Providers Broadband Television Distribution
Vehicle
Other Topics: Digital Video
Watermarking, IPTV Integrated
Solutions
Broadline Media Corp
August 8, 2006
Broadband IPTV platform signing content providers for new
on-demand television service
San Francisco, CA -- Broadline Media Corp, a leading provider of
on-demand IPTV technology and content, announced today that it is
actively signing content providers for its new Lasoo broadband
television service. Lasoo is designed to deliver high-quality,
hi-def and standard-def video content to television sets through
broadband-connected PCs. The application is fully downloadable with
no set top box required. |
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Lasoo is geared
toward providers of specialty programming who want to reach
enthusiast audiences around the world. Previously, niche content
providers had to distribute programming through either traditional
channels, such as cable/satellite, DVD/home video and theatrical
exhibition, or online channels, such as Web sites. Traditional
distribution is typically cost-prohibitive for providers of niche
content and Web video generally does not have a strong revenue model
nor does it offer the video quality that is desired by enthusiasts.
“Lasoo’s broadband video-on-demand service enables the low-cost
worldwide distribution of high-def and DVD-quality niche video
content,” said Steve Popper, chief executive officer of Broadline
Media Corp. “Consumers gain an alternative source for television
programming that is available worldwide.”
Viewers can watch Lasoo’s video-on-demand programming on either a PC
monitor or, preferably, a television set in a comfortable ‘lean
back’ environment with a remote control. Unlike Web video, Lasoo
programming is optimized for viewing on a television with a remote,
however it also offers an excellent viewing experience on a PC
monitor. Lasoo supports both hi-def and DVD-quality standard-def
video, in addition to 5.1 digital audio. Lasoo also offers a
familiar DVD control user interface optimized for a television
screen, with easy-to-use commands such as play, fast forward, rewind
and pause.
A beta version of Lasoo has launched to allow potential content
partners to see how the service works, and for consumers to
experience the quality of true broadband television.
“Lasoo is not a replacement for cable or satellite television, but
rather a complement to the existing media delivery options,” said
Popper. “Lasoo will carry programs you can’t find anywhere on cable
and for some of the niche programming, no where else at all.”
Available initially for PCs running Windows XP, Lasoo’s technology
works with any broadband provider with a minimum speed of 500kbps
(3.0Mbps is recommended for HD programs). In addition, comprehensive
parental controls will enable parents to ensure a positive viewing
experience for their children.
Lasoo channels will be offered to consumers on a subscription basis,
with certain programming priced individually. The exact mix of
offerings in each channel depends on the content and is controlled
by the channel operator.
The Lasoo software uses Windows Media Digital Rights Management on
all video programs. Viewers can watch the programs using the Lasoo
player, but cannot burn them to a DVD nor can they copy and exchange
programs on P2P networks with the service. Lasoo overcomes usability
concerns about DRM by making it easy for viewers to switch computers
or replace a hard drive.
Lasoo is powered by Broadline’s Imediasee video distribution system
using proprietary technology that offers the latest compression,
digital rights management and video player to enable the highest
quality video possible through the Internet. Based on the Microsoft
Windows Media format, Imediasee is robust, secure, scalable and
flexible, enabling the downloading, playing and management of
content obtained through a broadband connection. The core components
of the technology are the Imediasee Library Manager and the
Imediasee Player. The Library Manager downloads and manages the
content, while the Player presents it for viewing. Multiple Players
can access a single Library Manager over a wired or wireless home
network, making it easy for Lasoo viewers to access their content
from anywhere in the home.
Broadline Media Corp. is a developer of software and services that
enable video content to be distributed to television sets through
broadband connections. The company's proprietary Imediasee
technology uses the latest compression, digital rights management
and video player software to enable the highest quality video
possible through the Internet. Broadline Media Corp. uses the
technology to operate Lasoo (www.lasoo.com), an on-demand broadband
television service for consumers, and offers the Imediasee System to
other service operators. Broadline Media Corp. was established in
2001 and is based in San Francisco, Calif. More information is
available at www.broadline.tv. |
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