Efficient Channel Coding Delivers DVB-S2 Evaluation Platforms Incorporating Adaptive Coding & Modulation

Cleveland, Ohio – October 19, 2004 - Efficient Channel Coding (ECC) announced today that it has starting shipping DVB-S2 based receiver evaluation platforms to key customers.

DVB-S2 is a new satellite communication standard that is in the final stages of publication. DVB-S2 enables unprecedented bandwidth and power efficiency and incorporates many advanced features optimized for satellite communications. DVB-S2 technology developed by ECC is the first to support the optional interactive services (IS) modes defined by the DVB-S2 standard. One of the most important IS features is adaptive coding and modulation (ACM). In many applications, ACM enables operators to increase bandwidth efficiencies by a factor of 2 to 4 or more relative to non-ACM capable systems.

“We are pleased to be able to offer ACM-capable DVB-S2 technology to key early customers”, said Mark Vanderaar, CEO of ECC. “Our complete evaluation platforms will allow early DVB-S2 adopters the ability to fully characterize the benefits of ACM-capable DVB-S2 systems, and enable them to start integrating S2 technology into their satellite communication solutions immediately.”

Newtec Corporation has promoted DVB-S2 from the beginning of the standards process, and has taken delivery of an evaluation platform from ECC. Dirk Breynaert, CEO of Newtec noted: "We have selected ECC as a partner for our DVB-S2 products because they have one of the strongest expertise in this field and because they share our technical and commercial vision for the future of satellite telecommunications. From the beginning of our cooperation ECC has shown a total commitment to develop a solution that fulfill our specific needs with the highest level of performance"

ECC provides real world digital communications solutions for some of the world’s most advanced networks. We design and deliver satellite communication systems, broadband communication ICs, and customized commercial and government solutions. Our technology innovations increase the efficiency of today’s most advanced satellite, wireless and wire-line communications systems. More information on ECC is available on the Internet at www.efficientchannelcoding.com.

Newtec is a Belgium based Satellite Communications Equipment Manufacturer & Total Solution Provider, offering highly reliable products and services throughout the entire world. The Company provides satellite equipment for a wide variety of applications, including:

• Video & Audio Exchange Networks,
• High-Rate IP-Backbone Links,
• One-Way (business TV) and Two-Way Access Networks,
• Broadcast Uplink Stations (DTV & IP-Broadcast),
• Primary TV Distribution Networks.