Pace to extend its reach into networks technology

New business unit to be launched at IBC

Saltaire, West Yorkshire, UK — Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC) today announces that it is extending its reach in the digital TV industry with the launch of a new business unit – Pace Networks.

Pace Networks will open up new markets for this leading digital TV technology company with innovative solutions that will enable operators to grow their subscriber bases and increase ARPU by gaining new subscribers that were previously difficult to reach, either due to expense, legislation or other restrictions.

The first product developed within Pace Networks is Pace MultiDweller™. MultiDweller enables operators to deliver a full suite of interactive digital services to customers in multi-dwelling units (MDUs), including digital video, broadband and telephony

MultiDweller provides a cost effective method of converting existing coaxial distribution networks within MDUs into high-speed triple-play bi-directional networks, without the need for any modification or additional cabling. End-users can access all TV channels (subject to conditional access) through real-time video switching techniques. As a result Multidweller only distributes the programmes currently requested from users’ set-top boxes via the communal network. Bandwidth released can then be used for other services, such as broadband internet access and VoIP. New CPE1 to extend the network can be installed at any time by simply plugging it into the existing cable outlet.

Pace Micro Technology’s Chief Executive Officer, Neil Gaydon, said: “Pace Networks utilises the unique set of skills we have in built up in TV, DVB, DOCSIS and IP solutions over the past 25 years. This new business unit takes us further up the chain in the delivery of digital content. Importantly for our customers, not only can Pace provide the CPE, but we will also licence the set-top box technology to enable third party set-top box manufacturers to communicate with MultiDweller™.

“We are very excited about the possibilities and opportunities Pace Networks will bring to Pace as a whole, and view it as a natural evolution of our skills sets and expertise. At Pace we have continually been one step ahead of the game in seeing where the market is heading, and have shown this through the number of industry ‘firsts’ we have achieved over the past 25 years.”

Link: Pace Micro Technology