MiTV and ICTV Form an Alliance Enabling Video Network Operators to Deliver Interactive
Services to the Hospitality Industry
Houston, Texas- April 27, 2004- MIRACLE TV (MiTV) and ICTV today announced an alliance
to offer the most powerful interactive television solution available to the hospitality
industry. The combined solution enables video network operators to leverage their
extensive network to cost effectively deliver advanced services to the hospitality industry.
Web access, information, entertainment and transactions services are becoming increasingly
critical to travelers. Video network operators can enable the hospitality industry to offer
new, low-cost services that require no capital investment from the industry and no specialized
infrastructure equipment installed on their premises. Together, MiTV and ICTV are enabling
video network operators to deliver these new revenue-generating services utilizing
headend-based technology and standard digital set-top boxes.
MiTV is the only centralized solution for Hotel Interactive Television Services for video
network operators in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and other countries.
ICTV is the creator of HeadendWare®, the cable industry´s most versatile platform for delivery
of compelling interactive content.
Using a digital set-top box (STB), a keyboard and a remote control, MiTV´s technology brings
new comforts to the hotel guests such as: e-commerce and on -line tour purchases; e-mail
(web based or corporate) and Internet; electronic concierge; video on demand; maintenance and
maid service scheduling; electronic billing; updated world news, interactive advertising and
much more -- all from a television set. Guests benefit from having an easy and friendly
Interactive TV user interface they can access from the comfort of their hotel room. Not only
do these services benefit guests and hotels, but also local advertisers and merchants since
they can advertise and sell their products and services to the many tourists staying in the hotels.
Narno Dorbecker, MiTV´s CTO, stated "ICTV´s HeadendWare offers a dynamic allocation to improve
the performance of digital set-top boxes, allowing MiTV´s software to be used on any headend
platform." "This system allows MiTV to be installed on the many Motorola´s platforms using low
capability digital boxes while enhancing the abilities to offer complex iTV services such as
video on demand, interactive games and more."
Miguel Kramis, MiTV´s CEO, added "this strategic alliance offers video network operators the
opportunity to maximize their headend investment enabling them to increase their revenues and
expand their market by offering new services."
"MiTV is uniquely positioned to offer a whole new range of market opportunities," said Mitchell
Askenas, Vice President, Advanced Product Development for ICTV. "By combining MiTV´s robust
applications with the centralized processing power of HeadendWare, our companies can enable
video network operators to deliver ¯ and gain revenue from ¯ games, video on demand, guides,
and other services that hotel guests have come to expect."
About HeadendWare®
The HeadendWare platform enables network operators to deliver compelling interactive content and
applications, including animation, high-fidelity audio and full-motion video, to any digital
set-top box. Using headend-based processing power and the existing digital plant, HeadendWare
removes set-top box and middleware constraints on the delivery of compelling interactive multimedia
content and allows TV-friendly activity that cannot be matched by satellite competitors.
With HeadendWare application servers located anywhere on the operator´s network or outsourced,
an operator´s entire digital subscriber base can interact with robust multimedia applications
developed with standard PC, Web and Java tools using existing set-top boxes and remote controls.
HeadendWare supports the latest versions of HTML, JavaScript, Java, Windows Media Player®, Flash®,
RealPlayer® and QuickTime®, enabling network operators to provide subscribers with a limitless
array of content and applications.
About ICTV®
ICTV® provides enabling infrastructure for the delivery of new television services to digital
cable subscribers. The company offers a solutions-oriented approach to new television services
that combines standards-based technology with a portfolio of branded iTV applications that can
be deployed today. The solution-based approach offers operators one of the highest returns on
bandwidth and incremental capital with iTV services available. Strategic investors include
Adelphia, Liberty Media, Motorola, OpenTV, Shaw Communications, TV Guide, Cox Communications
and Lauder Partners.
Based in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, with offices in Baltimore and the United
Kingdom, the company has been issued 23 patents and has numerous patents pending, ensuring
protection of its unique and innovative television services solution. ICTV is a member of the
Motorola Horizon and Scientific-Atlanta CreativEdge Developer's Programs. For more information,
visit www.ictv.com.
About Miracle TV:
Miracle TV developed state-of the art interactive TV ("iTV") technology. MiTV created a turnkey
solution for telecommunications companies, multiple service operators and hotels to convert each
TV into a point of sale and communication tool for the tourism industry.
Interactive Television provides hotels with a set of services that increase occupancy, loyalty
and revenue. This unique turnkey solution is not yet offered by anyone else in the hotel and
telecommunications industry. With the help of a set-top-box, a keyboard and a remote control,
you can now bring new comforts to hotel guests such as entertainment, video on demand (VOD),
iAdvertising, Internet and e-mail, updated news information, interactive maps, e-commerce and
more. MiTV even includes a real time electronic transaction system so guests can charge their
purchases or services to their room account or their credit card.
MiTV has created a WIN-WIN situation by developing a business solution that benefits all parties
involved. The business solution includes interactive TV technology, an economic model, technical
and marketing training and assistance, and excellent business alliances. Multiple service
providers, hotels, merchants and advertisers can come together to deliver the newest interactive
television services to guests while earning a substantial revenue share and costumer satisfaction.
For more information please call (281) 646-1650, or e-mail write info@mitvcorp.com.