Italy's FastWeb deploys networked personal video recording solution over its nationwide FTTH network

Minerva Networks, a provider of IP television infrastructure, today announced that the largest installation of networked personal video recording (nPVR) to date has been deployed leveraging its video processing technology. FastWeb, a leading Italian provider of integrated telephony, Internet access and television services, has deployed a complete nPVR solution for its broadband fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) IP network. The Italian operator, controlled by e.Biscom SpA, expects a take-rate of over 80% for the new nPVR services from its current television subscribers in all of Italy's major cities: Milan, Genoa, Turin, Rome, Naples and Bologna.

FastWeb's nPVR solution uses the flexibility of Minerva VNP video encoders to enable subscribers to record up to a week's worth of programming from nine (9) national television channels. The Minerva encoders automatically deliver recorded programming to video servers located at the edge (headend) of the operator's network. Viewers have the ability to pause, rewind and fast forward recorded programming or call up shows from earlier in the week, which are then streamed from the headend servers.

Currently, PVR solutions are "client-based" as they feature a hard-disk drive and a single video encoder built into a set-top box (STB). "Server-based" nPVR, with multiple encoders and disk drives located at the network headend, enables viewers to record several simultaneous programs while eliminating the need for hard drives in the STB.

"FastWeb's FTTH infrastructure is ideal for the delivery of networked PVR," said Mauro Bonomi, chief executive officer at Minerva. " We are excited to be a part of this state-of-the art deployment which will offer FastWeb subscribers unsurpassed flexibility in accessing television programming."

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this level of service to our client base throughout Italy," said Ruggero Gramatica, FastWeb chief information officer. "With Minerva's technology and FastWeb's network, we are able to provide our clients the maximum flexibility in watching their entertainment of choice."

For more information about Minerva Networks Inc. (Santa Clara, CA), visit the company's website at www.minervanetworks.com. Information about FastWeb (Milan, Italy) can be found at www.ebiscom.it.