Cablevision Systems Corp. and ActiveVideo Networks Announce Significant Rollout of CloudTV Interactive Channels

BETHPAGE, N.Y. and SAN JOSE, Calif., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) and ActiveVideo Networks™, the global leader in cloud-based interactive solutions, today announced that Cablevision has deployed and delivered more than two dozen new interactive channel experiences to its entire digital video customer base using the ActiveVideo CloudTV™ platform.

Cablevision, the nation's fifth-largest cable system operator, is utilizing CloudTV to offer an expansive menu of personalized television content -- including hyper-local sports and news, advertising showcases, and mosaic programming -- to approximately 3 million subscribers in the New York tri-state area. The lineup includes MSG Varsity Interactive, News12 Interactive and a variety of other channels and advertising showcases that are designed to serve specific interests of Cablevision subscribers.  In addition, the ActiveVideo platform is powering Quick View kids, sports and news navigational mosaic channels.

Cablevision and ActiveVideo Networks will continue to work to develop and deploy innovative and valuable cloud-based channels as part of a CloudTV rollout that improves the interactive TV experience and provides services that are designed to meet consumer and advertiser demand for more personalized programming and enhanced audience engagement.

"TV programming that brings together the best of linear, on-demand video and interactivity into one channel will be a key differentiator for Cablevision in the future," said Gary Schanman, senior vice president Video and Advanced Advertising Product Management for Cablevision.  "ActiveVideo's flexible development tools and scalable platform enable us to innovate rapidly and leverage the strength of our fiber-rich network to deliver tremendously valuable, unique experiences to our customers."

"Cablevision has been a leader in creating innovative services that increase entertainment value for their customers," said Jeff Miller, president and CEO of ActiveVideo Networks.  "They've recognized how the power of CloudTV can simply and efficiently take traditional television and on-Demand services to the next level to increase choice and control for any viewer."

Using the ActiveVideo CloudTV platform and content developer's kit (CDK), Cablevision is able to write Web-based content once for delivery as a single MPEG stream to any digital set-top box.  Because CloudTV development is based on standard Web tools and talents, applications that previously took years to create can now be built, tested and deployed in just a few months. Subscribers use standard remote controls to search for, select and engage with video and information just as they can on the Web, but within the "lean-back" environment of television.  

ActiveVideo immerses viewers in an engaging experience that combines Web video, Web 2.0 functionality and traditional television.  With ActiveVideo, Cablevision viewers can navigate a completely interactive environment of both linear and broadband programming, including rich interfaces and graphics optimized for TV and remote control navigation; social networking; personal media; niche content; and targeted, actionable advertising.  ActiveVideo uses intelligent MPEG streaming to deliver the Web 2.0 experience to a worldwide television audience through both legacy and next-generation digital set-top boxes and broadband-connected devices.

About ActiveVideo Networks

ActiveVideo Networks is the world leader in cloud-based interactive services that are redefining television (iTV 2.0).  The company's network-centric approach simply and inexpensively enables expanded programming, navigation and advertising possibilities, allowing viewers to define and share their TV experiences.  ActiveVideo combines Web-based media and targeted, clickable advertisements with the high-quality video, immediate responsiveness and remote control navigation of television for uniform interactivity across all digital and IPTV set-tops, CI+ enabled televisions, and broadband-connected CE devices. ActiveVideo Networks is based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with offices in Los Angeles, Baltimore and Hilversum, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.activevideo.com.

About Cablevision Systems Corporation

Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is one of the nation's leading media and entertainment companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TV® digital television, Optimum Online® high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice® digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, through Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, and serves the New York area as publisher of Newsday and other niche publications through Newsday Media Group. The company also owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.

SOURCE ActiveVideo Networks