[February 23, 2005] Leitch Turnkey System Supports Launch of NBC Weather Plus Tweet TORONTO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Leitch Technology Corporation (TSX:LTV) today announced it has provided a turnkey system for deployment in NBC stations across the country in support of NBC Universal's recently launched NBC Weather Plus, the country's first 24/7, all-digital broadcast network that provides weather and related local community information and exemplifies the explosive potential of digital over-the-air broadcast technology. Rolling out to NBC affiliates for broadcast as a stream on their DTV channels, NBC Weather Plus debuted November 15 with WNBC New York. The customized NBC Weather Plus system incorporates Leitch's Digital Turnaround Processor(TM) (DTP), which provides MPEG-2 Transport Stream switching, branding effects, and rate control for up to one HD and four SD programs, or up to six SD programs. The baseband signal processing of the NBC Weather Plus systems include Leitch's NEO(TM) and 6800+ aspect ratio converters, frame synchronizers, downstream keyers, distribution amplifiers and digital audio multiplexers, as well as Videotek(R) and Leitch Panacea(TM) routing switchers. "We are pleased to be working with Leitch as we rollout NBC Weather Plus across the country," said NBC Weather Plus Vice President Michael Steib. "The Leitch product is flexible enough to evolve with our needs and gives our affiliates the ability to acquire systems that are fully functional and proven to work within the NBC Weather Plus architecture." Audio and video signals are received from both local and network sources by the Leitch system, which appropriately switches, aspect ratio converts and keys the signals before sending them to the NBC Weather Plus workstation. The workstation output is then encoded, sent through the Leitch Digital Turnaround Processor (DTP), decoded for monitoring and converted to SMPTE 310 for air. "We are pleased that NBC Universal has asked us to work with them as they launch their new network," said Tim Thorsteinson, president and CEO of Leitch Technology. "The NBC Weather Plus systems include advanced MPEG Transport Stream processing gear, fully integrated with baseband processing and branding technologies from Leitch. This approach will ensure the best possible HDTV and NBC Weather Plus signal to viewers with a highly reliable and replicable system." NBC Weather Plus combines national and local weather coverage with in-depth, live reports throughout the day from trusted local meteorologists, backed by the strength of the NBC News network. When viewers tune into NBC Weather Plus, the network's distinctive "L Bar" on the perimeter of the screen provides current temperatures as well as five-day and hour-by-hour forecasts in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during commercials - a first for any network. About Leitch Technology Leitch Technology is a 34-year global leader in the design and distribution of high-performance video systems for the professional television industry. Leitch offers products and systems that enable operations of any size to streamline workflow, achieving a truly Integrated Content Environment for content production, processing, transmission, management and test and measurement. With a sole focus on and commitment to the television industry, Leitch provides premium customer support. (http://www.leitch.com/) Leitch Technology Corporation CONTACT: Leitch Press Contact: Laura Whitaker, Vice President, CorporateCommunications, Tel: (408) 782-1201, [email protected]; LeitchInvestor Contact: David Toews, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (416) 445-9640,[email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]