OKI Demonstrates OKI MediaServer in ITU-T's First IPTV Interoperability Test Event

- IPTV-compatible Video Delivery Server Found to Comply with IPTV's H.721 International Standard -

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- OKI (TOKYO:6703) participated in the ITU-T¹ IPTV Interoperability Event² held in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrating the compatibility of the OKI Networks "OKI MediaServer" IP video delivery system with H.721, part of the IPTV H.700 series standards. Held for the first time, the IPTV Interoperability Event is intended to serve as a demonstration and testing event addressing interoperability among the ITU-T's recommended products. OKI demonstrated its "OKI MediaServer", the only IPTV-compatible video delivery server at the event, and demonstrated its compatibility with IPTV devices from other manufacturers. The Event is scheduled to take place in Singapore (September) and in India (December) which OKI plans to participate.

The "OKI MediaServer" was connected to commercially available IPTV-compatible set top boxes and digital television devices made by other participants. The event featured interoperability testing and demonstrations of Video-on-Demand (VOD), a technology that allows audiences to view videos whenever they want over IP networks, and IP broadcasting,⁴ which delivers programs according to a prepared schedule. The demonstrations won high evaluations from visitors.

The ITU-T H.700 series⁵ standards address high-definition digital broadcasts over IP. The H.721 standard for IPTV terminals is part of a series covering basic IPTV services, including VOD and IP broadcast information services. Examples include electronic program guides. The H.721 is a standard that defines the terminal interface required to receive broadcasts over an IP network using IP multicasting.⁶ The standard also addresses video-on-demand, allowing audiences, for instance, to view content at any time and to forward the content viewed. The standard is based on specifications for IPTV Forum Japan, a standard for IPTV in Japan and adopted for Hikari- TV provided by NTT Plala. Adoption is also underway in other nations.

"We are proud to announce that 'OKI MediaServer' is currently the only server equipped with video delivery functions and compatible with the H.721 standard," says Hidetshi Saigou, General Manager, Info-telecom Systems Division at OKI. "This characteristic ensures interoperability with various other H.721-compatible devices from other manufacturers, including set top boxes and IPTV-compatible digital television device. I was delighted to see 'OKI MediaServer' deliver stable, reliable high-definition videos for video-on-demand and IP broadcasting, as well as easy channel switching. The results of this successful interoperability test will certainly establish the basis for the future development of our IPTV services."

IPTV, a key application for NGN, is expected to enter widespread global deployment. Capitalizing on the results of the interoperability event, OKI will contribute to emerging standardization for IPTV services based on the "OKI MediaServer" and pursue business opportunities by providing IPTV platforms that can be readily adopted by IPTV service companies in Japan and abroad. OKI also plans to participate in and contribute to efforts to establish international standards for new IPTV services and to provide products that offer compatible IPTV services.

[System overview]

"OKI MediaServer", an IP video delivery system compatible with ITU-T's H.721 standard, was connected to set top boxes and IPTV-compatible digital television devices from other manufacturers to demonstrate VOD and IP broadcasts. Actual delivery was by IPv6.

[Glossary]

¹ ITU-T: The term stands for the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector, the department responsible for coordinating the development of international standards in the field of telecommunications on behalf of the ITU, a United Nations specialty organization.

² IPTV Interoperability Event: As part of testing and promoting conformity and Interoperability, this is an event to promote the effectiveness of IPTV related ITU-T recommendations by testing interoperability among IPTV systems that are compatible with ITU-T recommendations such as H.701, H.721, H.740, H.750, H.761, H.762, H.770, under the IPTV Global Standardization Initiative. Many companies and countries have already opted for these systems.

³ OKI MediaServer:

This is an IP video delivery system. It is equipped with typical video delivery functions as standard and it can be easily established in various systems that utilizes video and audio such as VOD, live delivery systems, satellite stations and monitoring systems. "OKI MediaServer" is not only used as a server for broadcasting for cable television, as seen in this case, but also as an IPTV server for telecommunication carriers, capitalizing on standard compatibility and technology to comply with larger-scale servers.

⁴ IP broadcast: This is to deliver videos to set top boxes and digital television devices all together using IP multicasting technology.

⁵ H.700 Series: H.700 Series is a series of recommendations related to multimedia, developed by ITU-T. H.701 (error correction), H.721 (IPTV basic terminals) , H.740 (audio information), H.750 (meta data), H.761(ginga-NCL), H.762 (light conversational multimedia), H.770 (service discovery) were part of the recent"ITU-T Interop Event."

⁶ Multicast: This is when data is sent by specifying multiple recipients over the network.

About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's leading telecommunications manufacturer. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its info-telecom systems and printer operations. Its various business divisions function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors. Visit OKI's global website at http://www.oki.com/.

Notes:

• The names of the companies and products mentioned in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies and organizations.

CONTACT:

Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Sonomi Kitamura, +81-3-5403-1247
Public Relations Division
press@oki.com

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