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First DVB-S2 H.264 high definition TV set-top box for deployment on show at IBC 2005 (3/10/2005)

Pace Micro demonstrating its leading edge H.264 HD set-top box for Premiere

The world's first DVB-S2 H.264 high definition (HD) set-top boxes for commercial deployment is on show at the Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE: PIC) stand (1.221) at IBC 2005.

Developed for Premiere, the leading payTV operator in Germany and Austria, this groundbreaking H.264 HD set-top box will be deployed by Premiere's for its HD launch at the end of this year.

The Pace HD set-top box for Premiere represents a new direction in product design by Pace and uses contemporary styling to complement the modern home, where cutting edge technology is prevalent.

The Pace HD set-top box is the first in the world to use advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 HD hardware decoding to deliver superb quality pictures while making the most efficient use of available broadcasting bandwidth. It comes packed with new technologies such as DVBS2, which improves bandwidth efficiency by up to 30%, and HDMI with HDCP for secure connectivity to HD-Ready displays.

Sandy Barblett, Regional Director Ð EMEA at Pace Micro commented: "HD is a reality now in Europe and, as HD content becomes more readily available over the coming months, viewers will be able to access stunning quality images that truly bring programmes to life.

"Subscribers to the Premiere satellite service will be among the first to experience the quality of HDTV. As well as launching its own, dedicated, high definition channels for sport, film and documentaries, Premiere has also secured the rights to broadcast live all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup in standard and high definition."

The Pace HD set-top box is currently going through certification with Premiere and is expected to be available in the shops by the end of 2005.

www.pacemicro.com