Pixel Power Graphics Systems in Landmark Live Online Streaming Event

Cambridge, UK -- October 7th 2009 -- Pixel Power, the leading designer and manufacturer of broadcast graphics systems, will see its Clarity graphics generators put to high profile use on Saturday 10th October, when England meets Ukraine in the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying game. This match will be streamed live by Pixel Power customer Perform in association with international football agency Kentaro, who own the broadcast rights to the game to be played at the Dnipro Arena in Ukraine.

High quality graphics are now an important part of most sports programming, and Clarity graphics hardware and software systems allow sports commentators to add dynamic data such as scores, clock displays and other graphics, and to stream the content via the Internet ‘as fast as TV’.

The sale of Clarity graphics generators to Perform was announced earlier this year, when the high quality of product, animation capability and ease of use were cited as reasons for choosing the Clarity system.

The soccer game represents a landmark in live sports streaming as the first international match to be streamed exclusively online and in cinemas. No television deal had been possible following the collapse of pay-TV broadcaster Setanta Sports.

Although the live online broadcast of this international match is the first of its kind, there is a clear trend towards media consumption online, and a corresponding shift by advertisers to use the Internet for their promotions. Last week, the Internet Advertising Bureau announced that UK spending on online advertising in the first half of 2009 exceeded that on television for the first time, reaching £1.75 billion.

In 2008, Perform stepped in when traditional TV deals did not materialise for UEFA Cup away matches featuring Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and streamed them live through the clubs’ own web sites.

“We congratulate Perform in setting up this important event”, said James Gilbert, Joint Managing Director of Pixel Power. “Sports graphics play an important part in enhancing the fans’ overall viewing experience. The ability to match the traditional TV channel offering will play an important part in creating acceptance of this new media stream.”

About Pixel Power

Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 installations worldwide. With a local presence around the world, the company’s award-winning solutions provide broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast trucks of all sizes with distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics. Established in Cambridge, UK, in 1987, the company also has a wholly owned subsidiary with offices in the USA, and a dedicated network of distributors and support offices around the world. Pixel Power has announced it is setting up a Dubai office to provide technical and sales support to the Middle East region.