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Czech Broadcaster TV Nova to Launch HD Services Using Kahuna SD/HD Multiformat Production Switcher

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HAMPSHIRE, U.K. -- Feb. 20, 2008 -- Snell & Wilcox today announced that its Kahuna SD/HD multiformat production switcher was installed at the Czech Republic's TV Nova to support the launch of HD broadcast services. Supplied through TSL, the systems integrator for TV Nova's new HD production and transmission facility in Prague, the 3-M/E Kahuna switcher simplifies HD production and enables the station to provide viewers in the Czech Republic with the region's first HD broadcasts.

"TV Nova is among the commercial television stations leading the development of independent media throughout Eastern Europe, and the transition to HD production and transmission is a very important step in the growth of this market," said Ivo Ferkl, CTO at TV Nova. "We are committed to delivering a high-quality HD product to viewers, and the Kahuna multiformat switcher from Snell & Wilcox will give our operators -- and our facility as a whole -- the power, flexibility, and efficiency we need to meet our HD goals. As we look across the region, we see Snell & Wilcox providing the same vital support for other stations moving to HD."

The project, designed by TSL, includes an HD studio and an HD server-based playout facility for an initial two channels, which went live at the end of 2007. The full-time HD experimental service has been provided over the SES Astra satellite and over DVB-T networks, becoming the second Central European Media Enterprises (CME)-owned station to broadcast in HD. CME has purchased a total of five Kahuna production switchers, one of which has been installed at TV Nova in Prague; three of which are online at Pro TV in Romania and Nova TV in Croatia; and the last of which will be installed to support the Studio 1+1 channel in the Ukraine.

"TSL's systems knowledge and prior HD experience has enabled us to provide a cutting-edge infrastructure, which includes Snell & Wilcox's Kahuna SD/HD multiformat production switcher. This installation forms strong foundations for future channels at TV Nova," explained David Phillips, TSL's CEO.

The Kahuna enables operators at TV Nova to mix existing SD camera feeds, graphics, handheld shots, and archive footage directly into an HD production with no need to purchase expensive HD upgrades or extra HD upconversion equipment. A proprietary Snell & Wilcox technology called FormatFusion ensures seamless integration of SD sources into HD productions and vice versa, without the need for conversion. With exceptionally low delay, the Kahuna provides the advanced processing necessary for working in a multiformat environment.

Equipped with the dual twin-channel IMPAKT 3D DVE option, the Kahuna also gives operators the ability to apply a comprehensive range of effects -- including warps, tiling, ripples, rolls, and peels, with trailstore and lighting effects -- to the keyers and background transitions. The combination of intelligent SD/HD format handing and powerful effects options make the Kahuna an ideal solution for broadcasters making the transition to HD.

"The launch of HD services will complement TV Nova's already very strong programming and contribute to the broadcaster's continued leadership within the Czech market," said Joe Zaller, vice president, corporate development, at Snell & Wilcox. "The Kahuna offers proven performance with flexible, reliable operation and supports a high production standard that will enable TV Nova to deliver a very appealing broadcast product to Czech viewers."

More information about the Kahuna SD/HD multiformat production switcher and other products from Snell & Wilcox is available online at www.snellwilcox.com.

TV NOVA was founded in 1994 and today is leading a television station within the Czech Republic. The station, owned by CME (Central European Media Enterprises), offers a variety of programming including news, movies, and dramas. More information about TV Nova is available online at www.nova.cz.

TSL
Since 1986, TSL has worked at the heart of independent broadcast systems integration helping to develop the technical and operational foundations for leading broadcasters worldwide. Through its extensive, international systems experience, TSL also designs, manufactures and sells a unique range of TSL-branded products. For additional information on TSL products and services, please visit www.tsl.co.uk.

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, Kahuna, FormatFusion and IMPAKT are trademarks of the Snell & Wilcox Group. All other trademarks mentioned herein are acknowledged as property of their respective owners.