Intel Provides Broadcasters with Intercast Content Management Software

Norpak to Distribute Interactive Content Tools

SANTA CLARA, Calif., – April 8, 1997 – Intel Corporation today announced the availability of the Intel Intercast™Content Management Software (I.C.M.S.) tool set to the media industry. The I.C.M.S. allows broadcasters to easily manage and schedule upcoming Intercast programming. Norpak Corporation of Ontario, Canada will be the first distributor of the software which enables Intercast programming.

Intel Intercast Content Management Software
Developed by Intel, the Intercast Content Management Software tool set gives content providers such as broadcasters and cable programmers the ability to manage and schedule previously created Intercast content and to insert Intercast content into the outgoing broadcast video signal. To develop the Intercast content managed by the I.C.M.S., broadcasters can use any off-the-shelf HTML authoring software.

"The I.C.M.S. software is designed to make it easy to enhance broadcaster's core video product using industry-standard authoring tools" said Mike Richmond, business unit manager, Intel Broadcast Products Group. "I.C.M.S. is designed to fit in the fast-paced environment of TV production."

The I.C.M.S. tool set consists of several applications including the "Air Station," "Sequencer," "Time Coding Station," "Master Encoder" and "Package Generator." Used with a standard VBI inserter, these tools make it possible to import HTML content generated by standard HTML creation tools and either transmit that content manually during live programming or send it at pre-programmed times during scripted or pre-taped programs.

Norpak Distribution Agreement
The Norpak distribution agreement supports Intel's goal to further expand the availability of Intercast content by providing programmers with the I.C.M.S. tools necessary to place the content on-air. The agreement provides that Norpak has rights to distribute the I.C.M.S. tool set in North America.

"Norpak's extensive experience in the data broadcasting segment of the television industry makes them a logical first choice to distribute our content management tools," commented Richmond. "In 1997, our goal is to significantly increase our current 200+ hours of weekly Intercast programming. Norpak's presence in the marketplace as a distributor for the I.C.M.S. tools makes it possible for any content provider to distribute Intercast programming."

"I.C.M.S. will provide a good value to our broadcast and cable customers who want to bring interactive content to their viewers," said Dr. Jim Carruthers, President, Norpak Corporation. "Norpak is the world's leading producers of television-based data transmission systems and the I.C.M.S. tools are a logical extension of our current product lines."

Norpak, the leading supplier of data transmission systems for television which utilize the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the television signal, provides the VBI inserter used with the I.C.M.S. tool set. Norpak will announce pricing and specific availability plans in the near future.

Intel Intercast Technology
Accessed through the PC, Intel Intercast technology combines the interactivity of the computer, the rich programming of television, and the worldwide information resources of the Internet. Intercast content is broadcast as part of the standard television signal in the vertical blanking interval and can be received by personal computers enabled with Intercast technology. OEM products offering Intercast technology and after-market add-in cards have been in the market, and content has been on air since August 1996. Current content providers include CNN, NBC, MTV/M2 and QVC.

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