Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services Engineers HDTV Transition for Discovery Networks

NORTHVALE, N.J., Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services, a global leader in design, engineering and systems integration for the electronic media and entertainment industry, today announced that it has completed the transition and upgrade of six Discovery television networks to high definition (HD) video.

Under the agreement, part of an ongoing relationship between Discovery Communications and Ascent Media, Ascent has been responsible for the design and construction of Discovery's HD infrastructure at its Sterling, VA origination facility within an accelerated, six-month timeframe. The facility supports the origination of programming for four Discovery networks, including: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC and The Science Channel.

"In order to meet affiliate and subscriber demand for HD content, we needed a partner with design and execution expertise and supplier relationships necessary to complete this project on an extremely tight timeline," said John Honeycutt, executive vice president and chief media technology officer for Discovery Communications. "Ascent Media was able to meet those needs while making sure our customers and viewers received the superior video product they expect from Discovery."

"The pledges of cable system operators and satellite providers to deliver 100 or more HD channels in the near future represent a tremendous opportunity for programmers like Discovery," said Tom Canavan, executive vice president of Ascent Media Network Services. "We're pleased that they have recognized the value and scope of Ascent Media's capabilities, and look forward to helping Discovery transition its high production and programming standards into the high-definition era."

More than 30 million flat screen digital televisions are expected to be shipped by the end of 2007, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The continuing programmer and viewer migration to HDTV has made display technologies the single largest category of consumer electronics, with 2007 sales projected by the CEA to reach $26 billion.

About Ascent Systems & Technology Services

Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services is a global leader in consulting, design engineering, and systems integration for broadcast, cable, Telco, satellite, broadband, government and other electronic media industries. With resources and associates throughout the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and active partnerships with local companies, customers are provided access to a wealth of technology-neutral expertise and services. Part of Ascent Media Network Services, this group has facilities and/or offices in London, UK; Dubai, UAE; and Munich, DE, and several strategic locations in the US. For further information, visit www.ascentmedia.com/systems.

About Ascent Media Group

Santa Monica, California-based Ascent Media Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB), which, through its Creative Services and Network Services divisions, provides creative and technical media services to the media and entertainment industries. Through more than 75 facilities in California, New York, London, Singapore and other locations throughout the world, Ascent Media Group provides effective solutions for the creation, management and distribution of content to major motion picture studios, independent producers, broadcast networks, cable channels, advertising agencies and other companies that produce, own and/or distribute entertainment, news, sports, corporate, educational, industrial and advertising content. More information about Ascent Media Group is available at www.ascentmedia.com.

SOURCE Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services