PacketVideo Puts The Power Of On-Demand Video In New Handsets For Verizon Wireless' VCAST Consumer Multimedia Service
V CAST Handsets Powered by PV - Ready for Primetime on Verizon Wireless' 3G EV-DO Network
PacketVideo Corporation today announced that their multimedia software powers handsets that deliver short video content for Verizon Wireless' V CAST service, the nation's first 3G wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers. To help customers achieve the highest quality multimedia streaming, download-to-play and viewing experience, three new phones currently available to Verizon Wireless customers come pre-loaded with the custom-built PacketVideo technology that helps enable viewing of V CAST's video clip content.
PacketVideo's software application for VCAST includes the Content Catalog, an integrated media navigation pane and content storefront, that allows users to easily navigate and view video clip content within a single interactive session. The result is the easiest-to-use mobile video-on-demand service in the United States today.
Three new V CAST-enabled phones-the LG VX8000, Samsung a890 and the CDM8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox)-include the PV-powered software and utilize Microsoft Windows Media for high-quality audio and video play. Consumers can download, stream, rewind, and fast-forward video clips and short content that includes news, entertainment, sports, weather and music videos-creating the ultimate in simple-to-use mobile multimedia. The phones also include a feature to change the screen from vertical to horizontal presentation for a widescreen viewing experience.
"With V CAST, we have put together the most exciting and industry-leading package of multimedia services," said Jim Straight, vice president of wireless Internet and multimedia services for Verizon Wireless. "From within the handset, PacketVideo and Microsoft technology ensure a high-quality, intuitive experience for Verizon Wireless customers."
"Verizon Wireless has built a powerful broadband wireless network that's made for mobile video," said Jim Brailean, chief executive officer of PacketVideo. "Our job, working with leaders such as Microsoft, is to turn the power of the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network into a compelling user experience for V CAST customers looking to view short video content on their phones."
"Microsoft and PacketVideo are committed to delivering the highest quality consumer experience, making our collaboration with Verizon Wireless particularly effective in helping to enable on-demand content in Windows Media Video on V CAST," said Erik Huggers, senior director, Microsoft's Windows Digital Media Division. "V CAST is America's premier wireless broadband multimedia service, and PacketVideo's experience and integration expertise were key to the development process."
V CAST from Verizon Wireless offers customers a variety of short video content and 3D games in the palm of their hands. V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the first true wireless broadband consumer multimedia service in the country, allowing customers to view crystal clear short content because it runs on Verizon Wireless' Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network-the only widely available wide-area wireless broadband network in the United States. The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network, is available in more than 30 major metropolitan markets and covers more than 75 million people.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Media Contact:
Jeffrey Nelson - Verizon Wireless - 908.306.4824 - Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com
About PacketVideo
PacketVideo is the number one supplier of embedded multimedia communications software for mobile phones with more than 60 design wins and 17 million handsets shipped in 2004. The company’s software enables mobile phones to take digital pictures, record home movies, play back digital music and videos, and make two-way videophone calls. PacketVideo’s global leadership is proven by unrivaled relationships with mobile operators, dominance in design wins, and the millions of PacketVideo-powered multimedia phones in the market. PacketVideo was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, Calif.
For further information:
Dann Wilkens, PacketVideo
858-731-5454
wilkens@pv.com
Diana Pailthorpe, O'Berry¦Cavanaugh
(406) 522-8075
dmp@oberrycavanaugh.com