Pace Integrates Conax Latest Content Security

Pace Develops New HD Set-Top Box for Emerging Cable Markets

SALTAIRE, West Yorkshire, UK — IBC 2009 — Pace plc (LSE:PIC), the leading independent developer of digital TV technologies for the global payTV industry, has added Conax’s latest content security technology to its conditional access portfolio. This new partnership will allow Pace to work with a wider range of operators across new emerging territories in Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia and Latin America.

Shane McCarthy, Group Account Director, Pace plc said: “Pace has a long established history with HD cable deployments in America and Europe. Now, by extending our capability with Conax security, we can make our set-top box technology available to operators across a range of new territories.”

Pace has already developed its first Conax enabled set-top box, the new DC8310, its first HD cable platform with state-of-the-art content security from Conax, aimed initially at operators across Europe and Asia. The DC8310 HD set-top box supports both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 content and is pre-integrated with Pace’s own middleware and EPG technology that incorporates Conax technology.

McCarthy added: “Pace understands the needs of its operator customers and relishes the opportunity to raise the quality and diversity of digital TV services in a broader number of regions. The DC8310 is an entry level HD box although we’re already working on an advanced PVR equivalent and beyond that will be expanding the range of Conax integrated set-top boxes to meet bespoke requirements for operator customers.”

The DC8310 offers an optional embedded DOCSIS 2.0 modem and eMTA unit allowing operators to deliver a full triple play service including voice, data and video and is available now. Pace is developing a PVR product that is expected to launch early in 2010.