Scientific-Atlanta Expands Advanced Digital Video Compression Technology Portfolio With Acquisition of UB Video Inc.
Posted by Sachin Garg on 19th February 2006 | Permanent Link
Press Release: Scientific-Atlanta announced today that it has acquired UB Video Inc., a leading provider of advanced compression technologies for digital video encoding, decoding, transrating and other solutions. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The deal unites two companies that have collaborated to produce one of the most advanced digital video solutions available worldwide. The introduction of advanced digital video encoding has the potential to revolutionize the video industry. With up to 50 percent bit rate savings compared to MPEG-2, advanced digital video compression technologies are a compelling choice for service providers looking to roll out advanced interactive and high-definition television (HDTV) programming and reduce the cost of delivering standard- definition programming.
“This acquisition cements the two-year, synergistic relationship Scientific-Atlanta has enjoyed with UB Video and presents the industry with a powerful, proven, advanced digital video compression solution that offers flexibility for future network growth,” said Dean Rockwell, vice president and general manager, Digital Media Networks, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. “This combination will provide significant benefits to our customers worldwide as they roll out new and advanced standard- and high-definition programming services to satisfy consumer demand.”
“Broadcasters and service providers alike are looking for ways to deliver high-performance, high-quality video, and the market for this need is expanding at an accelerated pace,” said Dr. Faouzi Kossentini, founder of UB Video. “The combination of UB Video’s cutting-edge software and Scientific- Atlanta’s proven leadership in video delivery is a win-win technology combination, which will give service providers a world-class solution for today’s complex networks.”
Additionally, the purchase of UB Video expands Scientific-Atlanta’s patented intellectual property portfolio.
About Scientific-Atlanta
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE: SFA - News; http://www.scientificatlanta.com) is a leading supplier of digital content distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support.
On November 18, 2005, Scientific-Atlanta entered into an agreement to be acquired by Cisco Systems. Scientific-Atlanta and Cisco previously announced that the waiting period for U.S. antitrust review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 was terminated on December 30, 2005. On February 2, 2006, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. announced that its shareholders approved the company’s acquisition by Cisco Systems, Inc. at a special meeting. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval by competition authorities in various jurisdictions outside the United States. The companies continue to expect to consummate the acquisition in the first quarter of calendar year 2006.