Backchannelmedia

Business Wire

RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI), a local leading provider of fiber optic triple-play high-speed internet, digital television and phone services, today announced a comprehensive upgrade of its on-demand technology to almost double subscribers' content choices, including high definition programs, as well as a dramatically more intuitive on-demand portal and virtual on-demand channels for easier accessibility.

RCN's on-demand library expansion will include extensive high definition and standard definition television programs, movies and subscription packages. The expansive new offering will be available to all RCN digital subscribers in Boston, Chicago, New York, Penn. and D.C. by June.

"By combining on-demand's convenience with the quality of high definition programs and movies, RCN customers will have a top notch television experience," said RCN President and CEO Peter Aquino. "In addition to the expanded HD content, we're introducing new portals and virtual channels so customers can get to their preferences effortlessly."

RCN launched on-demand services in 2003 with software and servers from SeaChange International (NASDAQ: SEAC). The television operator's on-demand technology platform overhaul includes an upgrade of its operational software, replacement of all of its video storage and steaming resources, and a navigation software upgrade that will provide a new, custom on-demand user interface.

"With SeaChange's new server upgrades, we have the ability to easily manage and expand the VOD infrastructure going forward," said RCN's Senior Director, Video Operations Jason Nealis. "In addition, we are very excited about the launch of SeaChange's VODlinkTM Portal 4.0, which allows us to provide individual, on-demand channels for specific network content."

SeaChange's Axiom On Demand is a complete end-to-end software solution and a standards-based framework that enables RCN to continue to be innovative. Axiom On Demand is entirely unique in its ability to deliver the personalization subscribers crave, the comprehensive operations efficiency RCN requires, and openness that delivers strategic value, including support for third-party applications.

Every video server will be replaced with SeaChange MediaServer MDS 201 hybrid memory disk streamers. Combining the advantages of standards-based hardware with SeaChange's patented MediaCluster technology, the MDS 201 enables a new level of cost performance for RCN's advanced video services. With high-density streaming and ingest, clustered memory caching, and scalable storage, the MDS 201 is designed to meet the varying demands of video-on-demand usage patterns.

RCN is also rolling out SeaChange's VODlink Portal 4.0, a video-rich, state-of-the-art navigation interface for on-demand content with a range of advantages that will ensure RCN subscriber satisfaction. Without the hassles of difficult middleware packages, VODlink allows operators to simply integrate full motion video into menus and user interfaces that can be changed quickly to reflect new promotions and branding; to enable sophisticated use of movie posters in screen design; and to set the stage for advanced capabilities such as DVD games.

About RCN Corporation

RCN is a broadband, facilities-based competitive telecommunications provider delivering video, high-speed data, and voice services primarily to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, RCN also delivers on-net fiber-based high-capacity data transport and voice services to large commercial customers, primarily enterprises and carriers. This commercial business unit operates under the name RCN Metro Optical Networks and targets metropolitan central business districts. RCN constructs, operates, and manages its own networks primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the Chicago area. The main metro and suburban areas where it operates include: Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, New York City, Boston, and Chicago. (RCNI-G)