DENVER —April 24, 2006 — OmniBus Systems today announced that its end-to-end iTX software-based transmission system has been selected by Microsoft® Studios to support a new cable network that will deliver a wide variety of high-quality content to Microsoft employees and partners. By replicating the entire transmission chain, iTX will enable Microsoft Studios to leverage its advanced production and post-production facilities to launch and maintain low-cost cablecasting services with maximum efficiency.

“iTX gives us a very flexible way to reduce the costs and work associated with delivering content on cable,” said Mark Beauchamp, engineering group manager for Microsoft Studios. “It’s a powerful solution that offers a greatly expanded opportunity to affordably and confidently distribute valuable content via cablecast.”

The innovative iTX automation solution, which will be installed at Microsoft Studios’ 65,000-square-foot facility in Redmond, Wash., replaces equipment such as routers, digital video effects (DVE) boxes, and master control units. To ensure an open, well-supported development environment, OmniBus built iTX on the Microsoft .NET Framework, an integral component of the Windows® operating system. With the combination of iTX and the Microsoft DirectShow® application programming interface, Microsoft Studios can ensure high-quality capture and playback of multimedia streams and simplify playback, format conversion, and content-capture tasks.

iTX relies on a very robust, flexible file-sharing environment, in which content can be easily managed and accessed. Because it is a complete solution that operates on standard IT hardware rather than proprietary legacy systems, iTX will dramatically reduce Microsoft Studio’s cablecasting costs by eliminating the need for specialized hardware.

The versatile IT-based automation solution features seamless, fully automated transcoding at ingest or playback at real-time speeds, thus accommodating various qualities of source content ― from low-resolution “guerilla” programming (such as Internet-based content) to high-definition (HD), broadcast-quality media ― and enabling a dynamic mix of content for cablecast.

Microsoft Studios personnel will use iTX to build program schedules, access and adjust programming, and quickly preview and update content. Without leaving the iTX interface, production personnel also will be able to create and edit material, such as captions and subtitles, as well as create digital video effects. The open architecture of iTX will allow logos and graphics created in off-the-shelf applications to be placed into the system fileshare and added to the program schedule in real time, ensuring that the content features consistent quality and branding.

“Microsoft Studio’s iTX content storage and retrieval system will offer the functionality of traditional transmission systems at about a third of the cost, providing cost-effective, software-based playout of an entire channel,” said OmniBus CEO Mike Oldham. “The ability of iTX to adapt to any production and distribution process allows for easy integration and streamlined workflows in bringing media assets to air. It makes significant business expansion dramatically easier than ever before. ”

More information about OmniBus Systems’ iTX software-based automation solution is available online at www.omnibus.tv.

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About Microsoft® Studios
Microsoft® Studios, the internal studio and production facility of Microsoft, is a real-world test bed of products and services for the media and entertainment industries. The 65,000-square-foot facility supports the marketing and presentation needs of Microsoft and its partner organizations throughout the world. Microsoft Studios boasts advanced production and post-production facilities, including three large stages, state-of-the-art digital post-production facilities, and an interactive media development group and technology integration lab delivering products across the full spectrum of media.

About OmniBus Systems
OmniBus Systems provides broadcasting, cable, and satellite organizations with comprehensive automation and media content management solutions that address every area of television-related operations. Its newsroom, content, and workflow automation solutions include acquisition and recording of rich media material, low-resolution editing, media asset management, and playout. OmniBus is a global company with headquarters in the United Kingdom and offices in the United States, Germany, and Singapore. More information is available at www.omnibus.tv.

ENDS