Telestream Releases Episode Series v4.2 Media Encoding Software for Mac Users

Desktop and workgroup media encoding solutions add more formats: VC-1, HDV and surround encoding for 5.1 audio; plus support for new Intel Xserves provides real-time HD encoding

Telestream – Nevada City, Calif., December 5, 2006 – Telestream, world leaders in media encoding and workflow solutions, today announced release of Episode™ Series version 4.2 software. Episode Series is a scalable suite of desktop and workgroup media encoding applications for the Mac that targets today’s diverse new media distribution needs, such as web, mobile, podcast, DVD and IPTV. Episode v4.2 adds important VC-1, HDV and surround sound support in response to evolving market needs. It also brings Compression Engine into the Episode product family, completing Telestream’s transition of Popwire products to Telestream. When configured into a cluster of Apple Intel Xserves, the ultra-fast Episode Engine enables real-time HD encoding.

“Our recent acquisition of Popwire allows us the opportunity to bring craft encoding to the desktop and the workgroup encoding market,” said David Heppe, president of Telestream. “With this next step of transitioning Compression Engine into the Episode product family, we are pleased to offer the quality, hands-on, fine tuning capabilities of this powerful product to our customers.”

Episode Series version 4.2 adds VC-1 encoding (the SMPTE-standard video codec) and WMA Pro audio, plus HDV and IMX encoding for professional users. A new ATSC A/52 compliant audio codec adds support for 5.1 audio encoding. Additional Episode v4.2 features include a channel mapping filter for surround sound, the ability to add bumpers and trailers to encoded clips, and Apple help. For server-based workgroup applications, Episode Engine now includes a filter that changes the field order of the video, plus simultaneous monitoring of multiple Episode Engine servers, and the ability to cancel, abort or reprioritize jobs in the monitor queue.

Importantly, Episode Engine also maximizes encoding speeds on Apple’s new Intel Xserves. Episode Engine is the only server-based encoding solution for Intel Xserves that offers native SD and HD encoding of all QuickTime formats plus Flash 8, Windows Media, H.264, MPEG-1/2 and much more.

Episode Series desktop encoding applications, priced from $395, are sold through Telestream’s Flip4Mac website at www.flip4mac.com. Telestream’s server-based Episode Engine workgroup applications, priced from $6,500, are sold through Telestream’s direct sales and worldwide resellers.

Episode Series v4.2 is a free upgrade for existing customers. Episode desktop product upgrades can be downloaded at http://www.flip4mac.com/episode_download.htm. Episode Engine upgrades can be downloaded from http://www.telestream.net/products/episode_download.htm.

For more information about Episode desktop solutions, visit www.flip4mac.com. For more information about Episode Engine workgroup solutions, visit www.telestream.net.

About Telestream (www.telestream.net)
Telestream products have set the standard with the world’s leading media and entertainment companies, corporations, and government institutions for the encoding, organizing, and delivery of digital media. From plug-in components to desktop craft encoding applications to scalable enterprise-class transcoding-based workflow systems, Telestream’s solutions save users time, effort and money while increasing revenues. The company’s Workgroup & Enterprise solutions and Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Mac streamline media workflows for content owners, creators, and distributors in any industry segment. Telestream and its team of video experts are based in Nevada City, California USA and in Stockholm, Sweden. The company is privately held. For more information, please visit www.telestream.net and www.flip4mac.com.