TANDBERG Television announced that it has signed a contract with Siemens to provide Dutch telco KPN with a flexible EN5930 encoding system which can simultaneously transmit both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC standard definition television. KPN is adding IPTV to its existing communication services and plans to introduce digital television over its DSL network for the first time this year. Internet Protocol means it is possible that television, telephone and internet will eventually be provided over a single DSL connection.

With the new TANDBERG Television system, KPN will be able to substantially grow its range of television services and keep ahead with a competitive consumer offering with MPEG-2 today. KPN will begin transmitting MPEG-2 content and will be poised for a smooth transition to MPEG-4 AVC once convinced of the technical availability and stability of all components required. TANDBERG Television will provide a head-end system that will enable KPN to seamlessly transition to the delivery of content using MPEG-4 AVC, with a potential bandwidth saving of 50% over MPEG-2. Once the transition to MPEG-4 is complete, KPN will be able to double the number of channels it delivers, meaning it can attract subscribers with a larger, broader and more diverse menu of content.

"We are excited by the prospect of a timely initial launch with equipment that prepares our service for growth to full MPEG-4 AVC capabilities," says Jeroen van Lierop, Program Manager IPTV at KPN. "Commercial viability and technical feasibility of the KPN IPTV service are well served by the upgrade potential of the equipment that will make our investment last."

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with KPN at this stage of its operations," says Noel Matthews, Director of Broadband at TANDBERG Television. "This project really demonstrates both the ability of our systems today and the flexibility they offer for the future. KPN knows they can rely on us for ongoing support and system maintenance throughout the process of their graduation to MPEG-4 AVC."