QVC opts for Exterity IPTV system

London, 2007: Exterity has installed a network-based IPTV system for QVC, the UK’s leading shopping channel. Based on Exterity’s idapter and tridapter devices, the system has enabled QVC to deliver television and other multi-media content throughout its offices via the Local Area Network. The channel uses the system to give its merchandising department - which is responsible for selecting the products sold on the channel and website - access to desktop TV, as well as allowing streaming to screens in communal areas within the building.

The system, which was installed during QVC’s recent office renovation project, replaced the shopping channel’s RF system. Exterity’s IPTV solution was installed by systems integrator Klicktv within a few days and quickly allowed QVC to stream any media to any part of the building via its corporate network. Because the IPTV network utilises the existing IP network, there was no need for expensive re-wiring.

Within the Merchandising department, desktop TV means that staff can keep abreast of trends, with a wide range of TV channels available to view. Exterity’s IPTV system is infinitely scalable, with any number of additional TVs able to be added to the network, In addition, as many channels as desired can be streamed, meaning that QVC can add to the TV channel list as and when required.

The system seamlessly links in with QVC’s call centre in Liverpool, which enables the company to stream live sales data to large screens within the merchandising department and studio control gallery in London.

“Internally our staff are very pleased with the result and we now even have screens in our café area so they can view TV on their lunch break” Leo Smith, QVC’s Broadcast Engineering Projects Manager commented. “Because we are able to stream TV to the desktop, each member of staff can watch a different channel.”

“The problems with traditional coax networks include signal degradation on long runs across sites, causing ghosting and break-up of selected channels, and the inability to add further channels over and above the set numbers supported by RF modulator set ups.” commented Colin Farquhar, Exterity CEO. “Our IPTV system does not impose these restrictions, which makes it ideal for QVC as they have such large offices, and need to view a wide range of channels.”

“QVC is a classic example of a forward looking organisation reaping the rewards of IPTV technology as it steadily replaces RF for TV and video distribution” observed Phillip Ridd, Klicktv director.

About Exterity
Exterity Limited was formed in 2001 to create products to deliver broadcast quality digital video over IP networks within buildings. Exterity’s products represent a significant advance over the co-axial cable systems in common use today but are viable for deployment in large scale video distribution systems.
Exterity’s core technology, in-socket™, allows display appliances, such as televisions, to be connected directly to wall-mounted iSockets to get direct and easy access to all available digital media and services.
Exterity is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

About klicktv
Klicktv is a London based company specialising in the design, installation and support of TV and video distribution systems.

About QVC
QVC UK, with net sales of £305 million in 2005, is part of a $7 billion global business which reaches over 160 million homes worldwide. The company offers a wide variety of brand name products within its categories of apparel & beauty, jewellery, home innovation and home style. QVC is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation.

QVC UK broadcasts from Marco Polo House, London, 24 hours a day, 364 days a year with 17 hours of live programming each day (from 09:00 to 02:00 UK time). The Customer Operations Centre is located in Knowsley, Merseyside. On 31 December 2005 QVC was available to 17.8 million digital terrestrial, satellite and cable homes in the UK. QVC's website is www.qvcuk.com

Media contact:
Sarah-Anne Bray / Laurie Glimmerveen
Wildfire PR
0208 339 4420
sarah-anne@wildfirepr.co.uk .co.uk / laurieg@wildfirepr.co.uk