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Snell & Wilcox to Launch Alchemist IP Software-Based Standards Converter at IBC2007

Groundbreaking Frame-Rate Standards Conversion System Running on Generic PC Hardware

-- AMSTERDAM (IBC) -- Sept. 7, 2007 -- Snell & Wilcox today announced the release of its Alchemist IP file-based frame-rate standards conversion software, which runs on standard PC infrastructure hardware, allowing content owners and producers to take advantage of sophisticated standards conversion as part of a file-based workflow.

"Our software-based Alchemist IP system changes the way standards conversion is performed, allowing users to achieve quality resembling that of our hardware-based system without leaving the tapeless domain," said Joe Zaller, vice president, strategic marketing, at Snell & Wilcox. "With the release of Alchemist IP, we provide users even greater flexibility in adopting state-of-the-art standards conversion technology into their workflow operations."

The Alchemist IP uses similar algorithmic expertise that has allowed Snell & Wilcox?s leading frame-rate standards conversion products to set the bar for quality and performance. Offering a radically improved approach to file-based international program exchange, the Alchemist IP delivers transparent conversion of file-based video, audio, and metadata between the 625/50 (PAL) and 525/60 (NTSC) video standards, and vice versa.

Using off the shelf PC hardware, users can leverage Ph.C motion compensated conversion within the file-based domain to produce clear and crisp outputs from a wide range of video input material. Without the need to decode to baseband, convert media through a hardware-based system, and re-ingest it once again, users can dramatically reduce the time and cost required to deliver top-quality content in the appropriate broadcast standard.

Alchemist IP is a true plug-and-play system, requiring little user setup and providing simple drag-and-drop or automated operation enabling rapid integration into file-based workflow processes. Because this conversion system runs on standard IT hardware, it offers post-production and duplication facilities a low cost of entry into high-end standards conversion, and a valuable tool for the shift toward fully file-based operations.

For those users requiring more comprehensive conversion and processing capabilities, Alchemist IP is also available as an option within the iCR content repurposing platform.

More information about the Alchemist IP and other products from Snell & Wilcox is available online at www.snellwilcox.com.

Snell & Wilcox designs and builds the world's most advanced systems for video playout, mastering, repurposing, infrastructure, and live production switching. Providing solutions that deliver immediate value while enabling a controlled and cost-effective transition to HD and file-based systems, the company serves a worldwide base of customers in the broadcast, postproduction, cable, satellite, mobile TV, and IPTV markets. In business since 1973, Snell & Wilcox maintains its U.S. headquarters in Burbank, Calif., and European headquarters in Hampshire, U.K. Additional offices are located in New York, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Russia. Further information is available at www.snellwilcox.com.

Press Contact: Susan Warren, Wall Street Communications, Phone: +1 631 261 1013. E-mail: susan@wallstcom.com.

Snell & Wilcox, Putting Pictures to Work, iCR, Ph.C, Prefix, DEFT, FormatFusion, and MOLE are trademarks of the Snell & Wilcox Group. All other trademarks mentioned herein are acknowledged as property of their respective owners.