Sling Media Ports SlingLoaded™ Technology to ViXS® XCode® Network Media Processors

XCode Engine Delivers Exceptional Video Quality for Sling Media's Next Generation Products

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - ViXS Systems Inc. today announced that Sling Media Inc. has ported its next generation Slingbox technology to the ViXS XCode network media processor. This partnership makes the Slingbox Software Development Kit (SbSDK) available on XCode media processors to OEMs, pay television service operators, and software developers.

ViXS^® provides an extensive portfolio of XCode media processor SOCs integrating transcoding, advanced media processing, security processing, transcryption and high performance networking.  Integration of Sling Media's software on ViXS Xtensiv™ software stack offers a compelling turnkey solution for OEMs and operators for distribution of media content anywhere in the world. Sling's technology in combination with leading transcoding technology from ViXS ensures excellent video quality on iPADs, tablets, PCs and smart phones anywhere in the world even in a bandwidth constrained network.

Sling Media's Slingbox product and placeshifting technology has transformed the way consumers watch television - allowing anyone to watch their TV, anywhere in the world on any IP-connected device - PC, tablet or smartphone.  SlingPlayer software gives consumers complete control over their living room TV, by giving them the ability to control cable Set-top boxes, satellite Set-top boxes, Blu-Ray player, Blu-ray recorders, DVD players, DVD recorders, Digital Video Recorder (DVR), gaming systems, media servers and surveillance systems.

"We are pleased to be engaged with ViXS in a strategic partnership that combines the leading edge XCode multi-stream HD transcoding technologies with our next generation Sling-enabled products," said Raghu Tarra, senior vice president and general manager at Sling Media. "High performance ViXS XCode SOCs will enable us to extend our reach and ecosystem with our software development kit, resulting in highly innovative products."

"We are delighted to be partnering with Sling Media, a pioneer in place-shifting technologies", said Sally Daub, President and CEO of ViXS Systems. "As consumers demand more access to their content anytime, OEMs and operators will benefit from Sling Media's place-shifting technologies on ViXS SOCs.  Our combined platform will enable best in class media processing performance and highest video quality on the market today."

Key features of the XCode processors include:

• Highly concurrent multi-stream HD media processing engine
• Dedicated network processor for high throughput network performance
• Support for Over-the-top (OTT) video services and content
• Compliant software stacks to support SlingLoaded and  "Digital Living Network Alliance®" (DLNA^®) Digital Media Server (DMS) for streaming applications
• Integration of a wide range of peripherals including: PCI Express, USB, SATA & Ethernet
• Complete Xtensiv™ Software stack for quick time to market

About ViXS Systems Inc.

ViXS is a multimedia solutions innovator providing technologies for processing, managing, securing and distributing high quality video and audio allowing seamless control, conversion, and connectivity between many classes and sizes of digital entertainment devices. 

ViXS supplies advanced System-on-Chip semiconductors, software solutions and hardware reference designs for the world's top manufacturers of Digital TVs, DVDs, Set-top boxes, Personal Video Recorders, PCs, Network-Attached Storage devices, Residential/Home Gateways, Blu-ray players/recorders, as well as Broadcast and Professional Equipment OEMs. 

ViXS is headquartered in Toronto, Canada with global operations and offices in Europe, Asia and North America.  ViXS has filed more than 334 patents worldwide with over 103 patents being issued to date.  Listed for four years running as one of Deloitte's fastest growing North American companies, ViXS is setting new standards in the way digital entertainment is viewed and transmitted across an endless array of multimedia products. 

For more information on ViXS, please visit our website: www.vixs.com.

VIXS®, the ViXS^® logo, XCode^®, XConnex™ and Xtensiv™ are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ViXS. Sling Media, SlingBox, SlingLoaded, and SlingPlayer are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Sling Media. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Sling Media
Sling Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), is the leading provider of video place shifting products and services for consumers and television service providers. Sling Media's product family includes the internationally acclaimed, Emmy award-winning Slingbox that allows consumers to watch and control their living room television shows at any time, from any location, using Internet-connected PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. For more information, visit www.slingmedia.com.

About EchoStar Corporation
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions that enhance today's home entertainment lifestyle. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies and managed network services for enterprises and governments in more than 100 countries. Among the many offerings of this combined powerhouse in broadband data and video are HughesNet®, the market's #1 high-speed satellite Internet service; Sling Media's award-winning SlingLoaded® technology; and Move Networks' adaptive bit-rate streaming technology.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo. with employees worldwide, EchoStar has more than 25 years of experience designing, developing and distributing award-winning television set-top boxes, services and related delivery products for television. EchoStar delivers satellite broadband and transport services for enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers using 11 satellites and related broadcast licenses around the globe. For more information, please visit www.EchoStar.com and www.Hughes.com.

Sling Media, Inc. Media Relations contact:
Jay Tannenbaum: 650-293-8007
[email protected]

SOURCE ViXS Systems Inc.