Row 44 to Utilize MLB Advanced Media for In-Flight Video Streaming Technology

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Row 44, Inc., provider of the world's leading In-Flight Broadband Entertainment Platform, announced today that it has chosen MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, to support its in-flight live streaming television and on-demand video entertainment through MLBAM's technology infrastructure and content management operations. The two parties also will collaborate to develop new processes and technologies for delivering live and on-demand content to commercial air travelers in-flight.

Row 44's In-Flight Broadband Entertainment Platform offers commercial air passengers an extensive suite of broadband services streamed to their Wi-Fi devices in-flight, creating a personalized broadband experience for every traveler. In addition to a selection of live streaming IPTV channels and a library of on-demand movies and TV shows from major Hollywood studios, Row 44's platform will also offer bookable destination services around the world, exclusive in-flight deals from retailers, interactive games, high-speed broadband Internet access, and other services.

In providing back-end technical infrastructure for Row 44's in-flight video, MLBAM will leverage its proprietary core streaming technology for content management and delivery of the live streaming IPTV service from leading news and entertainment channels and the on-demand movie and television library from major Hollywood studios and networks around the globe, ensuring compatibility for hundreds of Wi-Fi enabled devices, including iPhone, iPad, laptops and Android phones and tablets. 

MLBAM has been at the forefront of technology for over a decade, streaming live video since August 2002, and remains one of the world's leading digital media companies. MLBAM powers the streaming video infrastructure for over 3,000 Major League Baseball games each year, as well as more than 200,000 additional events for its sports and non-sports partners. MLBAM also will provide digital rights management for Row 44 content.  Additionally, MLBAM acquires an equity stake in Row 44.

"Row 44 could not have found a better partner than MLB Advanced Media," said Howard Lefkowitz, Chief Commercial Officer, Row 44. "MLBAM has been one of the industry's leading innovators for years, bringing not only live sports but other exciting content to consumers in new ways on new platforms – mobile being just one example. Partnering with MLBAM as a content provider (for live Major League Baseball games streamed to the plane), as a technology company, and as an equity participant is a tremendous leap forward for our company and the in-flight entertainment industry."

"Expanding our partnership with Row 44 to utilize our core technologies is representative of our common goal in providing a high quality viewing experience to the commercial airline traveler," said Kenny Gersh, SVP, Business Development, MLBAM. "Row 44 has been a leader in the industry with the only in-flight broadband entertainment platform delivering these services to airlines and we are excited about the opportunity to further grow this first-of-its-kind service through emerging technologies."

About Row 44, Inc.

Row 44, Inc. provides the world's leading in-flight broadband entertainment platform for commercial airlines. The company's flying Wi-Fi hotspot — which delivers the world's fastest aviation broadband speeds to passengers — provides airlines with an unmatched selection of revenue-generating and experience-enhancing entertainment, shopping and destination services. The company is partnering with airlines around the world, including world-renowned Southwest Airlines and 2009 Market Leadership Award recipient Norwegian Air Shuttle, to deliver a series of truly remarkable products to improve the commercial flying experience. For more information, visit www.row44.com.

SOURCE Row 44, Inc.