ANT plc, a leading provider of embedded browser, content control and user interface software for IPTV and consumer electronics markets, announced that Coship, one of the largest set-top box (STB) manufacturers in China, has licensed ANT Fresco to target global IP STB market opportunities, primarily in Europe and Asia.

ANT's Fresco® embedded HTML browser, which is already extensively deployed in the worldwide broadband TV market, will be shipped on the Coship AnySight200 range of IP STBs. With efficient use of resources (RAM, Flash and CPU) to control the bill of materials, ANT Fresco combined with Coship's low cost STBs offers operators a cost-effective solution with tried and trusted features, easy integration and a robust user experience. ANT enables the fastest time to market through their worldwide deployment experience and Fresco's pre-integration with all leading IPTV middleware vendors, including Alcatel, Orca Interactive, Thales and Minerva Networks.

ANT and Coship will demonstrate the AnySight200 featuring Fresco at IBC2005, taking place Sept. 9-13 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam.

"We are excited to embark with ANT on this significant venture as it will benefit both companies in generating more international growth opportunities," said Mr. Yang Wei Ming, general manager, R&D at Coship Electronics Co., Ltd. "ANT's international software brand offers great features and reliability at cost effective prices so that operators can pass on the cost savings and robust capabilities to end users, thereby reducing churn and attracting new users."

"We are delighted to have been selected by Coship to satisfy their global IP set-top browser needs," said Stephen Reeder, executive director, sales and marketing, ANT plc. "This is a true win-win relationship in that ANT's international brand will help Coship extend beyond its home market and Coship's leadership in China will help ANT in further penetrating this rapid growth region."