MLB Network Launch Powered by Motorola

SAN DIEGO (Map) - Motorola experience with sports programming distribution helps fast track MLB Network launch

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reinforcing its position as the leading supplier of video delivery infrastructure to programmers in North America, Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that MLB Network has selected the Motorola modular uplink system and Motorola integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) to distribute its lineup of new sports programming. Chosen for its exceptional quality in the delivery of demanding video content such as live sporting events, Motorola equipment processes high quality video with very efficient distribution. MLB Network - the new 24-hour cable network devoted to Major League Baseball and other baseball programming - launched in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009.

The delivery of video content with a high proportion of high speed action as seen in sports poses challenges for programmers and distributors alike as they strive to exceed consumer expectations for high definition video quality and clarity. To meet these needs, Motorola will provide top of line HD and SD MPEG-2 encoders as part of a complete end-end system for MLB Network which will compress, multiplex, encrypt, modulate and receive satellite-delivered programming. MLB Network was able to 'mix and match' equipment from Motorola's extensive portfolio to configure the most effective solution for current needs with an eye toward future expansion flexibility. The IRD products chosen for the network are common throughout the industry so that cable operators receiving the MLB Network signals will already be familiar with the downlink equipment required.

"With many complex deployments in the field, Motorola has an excellent reputation in the sports programmer space," said Mark Haden, vice president of engineering and IT at MLB Network. "We've seen how Motorola's solutions can manage multiple virtual networks and that gives us a comfort factor for long-term growth and stability. In addition, the Motorola team has had first-hand experience with sports networks so we could rest assured that both our quality targets and aggressive timeframe to launch could be accommodated."

"Motorola has a great deal of experience in providing programmers with content distribution solutions where high picture quality and overall system availability are key factors," said Bob Wilson, general manager for Motorola's Networked Video Solutions, Broadband Home Solutions business. "We've also continued to advance our video delivery portfolio which has the depth to meet a wide variety of distribution requirements with very efficient distribution. As a result, MLB Network will be able to implement an end-to-end system that is customized to meet its exacting demands."

MLB Network will deploy a modular uplink system including SE-3000HD encoders and SE-2000 SD encoders to distribute its programming via satellite. These fully integrated systems combine Motorola's Emmy(R)-winning conditional access system for ultimate content protection and the easy-to-use Broadcast Network Control System(SM) to manage the content sent to MLB Network affiliates. The program content will be received by Motorola's DSR-4410 Commercial Satellite Receivers. Based on the DigiCipher(R) II platform, the IRDs are designed to deliver outstanding video and audio performance easily and cost-effectively while under the complete control of the MLB Network uplink system.

Motorola has been a leader in HDTV and SDTV digital compression systems for nearly 20 years, having deployed more than 2,500 digital headends in both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, enabling service providers and operators to efficiently manage bandwidth in a variety of settings. This leadership extends to IPTV headends and cable video networks. As a result, more programmers in North America deploy Motorola satellite video delivery network solutions than any other solution.

About MLB Network

MLB Network launched in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network will be the ultimate television destination for baseball fans on television.

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com.

MOTOROLA and the stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Motorola, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.