Tut Systems Inc. announced that Star Telephone is moving rapidly towards commercial deployment of its triple play service offering after an extensive trial utilizing Tut Systems' Astria content processor MPEG-4 AVC solution. Star Telephone expects to launch commercial services in 1Q 2006 after placing a recent order for long-awaited MPEG-4 AVC set top boxes.

Tut Systems' Astria CP platform, which won a competitive evaluation against alternative MPEG-4 AVC vendors, serves as the video processing system for Star's 135 channel MPEG-4 AVC digital headend. Star Telephone's video service offering, which is being delivered over ADSL2+, will augment its existing ISP and wireless businesses and offer a cost-effective alternative to satellite competitors. Tut Systems also provided comprehensive systems integration services including project management, design, staging, installation, and pre-launch testing.

"After an extensive planning, evaluation, and trial period, we are thrilled to be nearing the launch of our IPTV service offering," said Lyman M. Horne, Executive Vice President, General Manager of Star Telephone. "Tut Systems' technological expertise, strong focus on customer results, and intimate involvement with all elements of our IPTV deployment made them an extraordinary partner throughout the entire process."

"Star Telephone's history of technological innovation over the past 40 years has helped them deliver unique, high quality services to its membership," said Mark Tiedeman, Vice President of Marketing for Tut Systems. "We are delighted to be part of Star's historic launch into video over copper services and look forward to a successful commercial launch."