SGI and facilities provider NOB to develop services and technology

Hilversum, 03 November 97 The Dutch facility company Nederlands Omroepproduktie Bedrijf (NOB) and Silicon Graphics have agreed to jointly develop services and technology for the fast-evolving European broadcast market. The "Memorandum of Understanding" focuses specifically on three areas of business development - digital distribution of both linear and interactive services, digital asset management, and content creation through use of virtual production technologies.

Under the agreement, Silicon Graphics hardware and software will become the platforms of choice for NOB in these focus areas, while NOB will become the preferred strategic partner for Silicon Graphics in the European broadcast market for specific projects under development. According to the partners the digital studio of the 21st century is quickly becoming a reality.

The two companies are currently working jointly on the development of audio and video delivery services across Internet-based networks, using the Silicon Graphics WebFORCEÒ MediaBase middleware platform. Future projects include joint development in the areas of virtual production, optimisation of NOB applications on Silicon Graphics desktop platforms, and advanced digital broadcast services such as Near Video On Demand (NVOD) and Pay-Per-View.

Nederlands Omroepproduktie Bedrijf (NOB) is an independent supplier of television and broadcast facilities in Europe, with net sales of over NLG 450 million, 1900 employees and a net profit of NLG 44 million in 1996. NOB also has subsidiary companies in Germany (Cologne and Berlin), Belgium and France.

Sandra Wermer