Scopus DSNG Technology Supports Cost-Effective Expansion of Newsgathering

KTBC FOX 7 chooses Scopus E-1720 encoder for live events coverage

PRINCETON, N.J. — December 7, 2005 Scopus Video Networks’ CODICO® E-1720 digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG) encoder is being used at FOX Network affiliate KTBC FOX 7 in Austin, Texas, to enable complete coverage of central Texas for local and national FOX news programming. Installed in the station’s new DSNG truck in August, and operated by a crew of two KTBC news photographers, the E-1720 was used to support live coverage of hurricane Rita from the Corpus Christie area. The new mobile unit was built and designed by Shook Mobile Technology.

“With the E-1720 incorporated into our new satellite truck, it’s become easy for us to capture and distribute footage from across central Texas, bringing more complete news reports to our viewers and to FOX network viewers nationwide,” said Ken Smith, chief engineer at KTBC FOX 7. “The Scopus encoder is a compact and easy-to-use system with intuitive, menu-driven controls, so it integrated well into our truck and our operations. We’re very pleased with how it’s performing for us.”

Since delivery, the new truck equipped with the Scopus CODICO E-1720 encoder has been used to contribute live shots for FOX as Rita moved through Texas. KTBC FOX 7 also has used its new satellite newsgathering capability to launch a high school football program that brings viewers coverage of a different game each week. As the Texas state legislative session gets into swing, KTBC FOX 7 intends to use the E-1720 to support coverage of key political events in the Texas capital.

“The unit we built for KTBC is the station’s first satellite truck, and the E-1720 proved to be a cost-effective choice that met our standards for quality and helped us meet our budget,” said Ron Crockett, president and director of sales and marketing at Shook Mobile Technology. “The Scopus E 1720 encoder is a compact, lightweight, and extremely power-efficient system that offers a significant number of features and very good functionality within the base model.”

The E-1720 from Scopus is an affordable solution that allows newsgathering teams, like KTBC, to relay footage from almost anywhere. Integrated state-of-the-art telemetry simplifies operation so that journalists can manage operation without the assistance of an Satellite News Gathering operator on location. With the L-band output and MPEG-2 codec, it enables transmission of audio and video converted for satellite transmission.

Because the Scopus E-1720 combines MPEG-2 encoding, modulation and up-conversion in 1-RU, it provides a maximum of functionality within the limited rack space of a truck such as the KTBC truck. The E 1720 comes embedded with L-band output as well as L-band monitoring to provide various satellite modulation schemes; and includes ultra-low-latency mode, variable GOP, BISS-CA, DVB scrambling; and built-in multiplexing capabilities ¯ all in a rugged, reliable user-friendly unit to ensure the highest picture quality with steady low-power consumption.

More information about Scopus solutions is available online at www.scopusamericas.com

About KTBC FOX 7
KTBC FOX 7 has been serving Central Texas longer than any station, since Thanksgiving Day 1952, and has been part of the FOX network since 1995. KTBC’s commitment to covering news is evident in more than 24 hours of “FOX 7 News” shows each week. And, of course, there’s nowhere else to find such quality programming as “American Idol,” “That ‘70s Show,” the award-winning “24,” “King of the Hill,” “The Simpsons,” and other entertaining shows that are distinctly FOX. More information about the station is available online at www.fox7.com.

About Shook Mobile Technology
Shook Mobile Technology, L.P. is a 28-year-old San Antonio, Texas-based manufacturer of High Technology mobile vehicles. Founded by Ed Shook in 1977, the company pioneered the development of outside broadcast field production units for the television industry. The company was purchased in April 2001 by a group led by John P. Heaney its current CEO. The Shook product line now includes a wide variety of vehicles custom designed for broadcast, communications, data gathering, military, surveillance and other specialty applications. More information is available online at www.shook-usa.com.


About Scopus Video Networks:
Scopus Video Networks (www.scopus.net) develops, markets and supports digital video networking products that enable network operators to offer advanced video services to their subscribers. Scopus’ products support digital television, high-definition digital television, or HDTV, live event coverage and content distribution.

Scopus provide a comprehensive digital video networking product offering, including intelligent video gateways, encoders, decoders and network management products, which we believe is a key competitive differentiator for us. Scopus’ products are designed to allow network operators to increase service revenues, improve customer retention and minimize capital and operating expenses.

Scopus’ customers include satellite, cable and terrestrial operators, broadcasters and telecom service providers. Scopus’ products are used by hundreds of network operators worldwide.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our marketing and operations plans. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, risks related to the evolving market for digital video in general and the infancy of the video-over-IP in particular, general economic conditions and other risk factors. Scopus does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made herein.

Contact Information

Carlo Basile

President

Scopus Network Technologies, Inc.

Contact via E-mail