Niagara SCX streaming media software to utilize open-source VP8 video codec

PLANO, TX, May 19, 2010 – ViewCast Corporation, a developer of industry-leading solutions for the transformation, management and delivery of digital media over IP and mobile networks, today announced support of the WebM open web media project and the open sourcing of the VP8 video codec. Starting the third quarter of this year, Niagara SCX will enable users to capture and stream video utilizing VP8 – the high performance, open-source video codec that contributes to the WebM project under a royalty free license.

WebM gives developers the ability to innovate with and deploy high-quality video compression technology without the constraints of title-based royalty fees or other license fees. Device manufacturers can also integrate successive generations of video technology without additional royalties. End users will enjoy high-quality video and smooth video playback on all their web video devices, including low-power devices, such as netbooks and mobile phones. Mozilla, Opera, Google, YouTube, and many major software and hardware manufacturers have already expressed plans to support VP8 and WebM.

“Web-based video is the fastest-growing contributor to data usage over IP networks, and we applaud the introduction of a high-quality, open source video format option,” said ViewCast President and CEO Dave Stoner. “ViewCast always strives to enable our customers to achieve the best possible video experience on the Web. By offering support for both H.264 and WebM streaming formats, we reinforce our commitment to leverage new video technologies as they emerge, and keep pace with developments as the web continues to evolve.”

“A key factor in the web’s success is that its core technologies are open and freely implementable. Video is fundamental to the web experience, and developers and content publishers need an open video format option,” said Mike Jazayeri, Group Product Manager at Google. “We are excited ViewCast is joining a broad coalition of industry leaders supporting the WebM project to bring a new era of open innovation in web video.”

 Niagara SCX software comes pre-installed on the Niagara Pro II, Niagara GoStream SURF and Niagara 7500 streaming media appliances. All ViewCast streaming media appliances are designed to deliver the quality, features and ease-of-use convenience that professional broadcasters demand. They are pre-configured, plug-and-play solutions that enable users to quickly capture and broadcast premium quality audio and video in multiple formats and at multiple bit rates – all simultaneously.

More information about ViewCast video streaming solutions is available at www.viewcast.com.