Pace Micro Technology (PIC.L) sera l'un des fournisseurs de bo?tiers d?codeurs de t?l?vision c?bl?e interactive choisis par UGC pour le d?ploiement acc?l?r? de sa technologie num?rique

UGC Selects Pace Micro Technology as One of the Interactive Television Cable Set-Top Box Providers for Its Accelerated Digital Rollout

Business Editors/TV/Cable Writers/Technology Editors

SALTAIRE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 2005--Pace Micro Technology (PIC.L) the leading dedicated innovator of technology solutions for the payTV industry, today announced that UnitedGlobalCom, Inc. (UGC) (NASDAQ: UCOMA) has chosen Pace as one of its key vendors for its plans for an accelerated rollout of digital television to UPC Broadband's analogue cable subscribers in the Netherlands.

As recently announced, UPC Broadband, a division of UGC, expects to begin a large-scale digital rollout project in the Netherlands in the fourth quarter of 2005. As a result of this initiative, UPC Broadband expects to deploy over 2 million digital set-top boxes with related middleware, security and conditional access systems to accelerate the growth of digital television in the Dutch market.

Sudhir Ispahani, Chief Technology Officer for UGC Europe said: "UPC Broadband is now actively rolling out its digital services platform in The Netherlands and launching new suites of digital and IP based services that will focus on dynamic new services such as Video on Demand, interactive TV and new broadband communications services like unified messaging.

We have chosen certain vendors as strategic suppliers of digital set top box hardware and software. We plan to leverage their broad multi-media technical innovation and global deployment experience to meet our technical expectations, user requirements and cost effective solutions."

John Dyson, Chief Executive at Pace Micro Technology, commented. "This is the start of a very exciting relationship. We hope to bring our wealth of expertise across the various platforms and emerging technologies to the fore and bring value to UGC and its customers. We are thrilled to be part of this leading operator's digital strategy.

"UGC has chosen our DC621 set-top box for the initial roll-out. With its built in Euro-DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem this is the perfect solution for the digital home, where demand is growing for the right mix of quality television and high-speed internet access, together with interactive services, such as video on demand (VOD)."

This business win underpins existing expectations for Pace's 2005/06 financial year.

Technical information

The DC621 design includes dual processors, 240 MHz main CPU, 32 bit cable modem processor, and dual tuner architecture. It can also be used to deliver video over DOCSIS. To ensure easy integration into home theatre and audio systems, connectivity options include analogue audio out, electrical SPDIF out and cable loopthrough.

With the DC621, UGC will benefit from key updates to the DOCSIS/Euro-DOCSIS specification, including improved bandwidth utilisation and better use of network capacity.

In addition, the DC621 can be configured to incorporate a wide variety of software solutions including multiple conditional access and middleware applications. The DC621 has also been designed to minimise long-term 'cost of ownership' through improved diagnostics for remote set-top box troubleshooting, thus reducing the need for expensive home visits.

John Dyson added: "We have worked closely with UGC to ensure that not only the functions, but also the aesthetic design of this interactive TV set-top box matches what UGC customers are looking for. The end result is a set-top box that is attractive for both retail and direct marketing to customers."

About UGC

UGC is a leading international provider of video, voice, and broadband Internet services with operations in 16 countries, including 13 countries in Europe. Based on the Company's operating statistics at March 31, 2005, UGC's networks reached approximately 16.1 million homes passed and served over 11.2 million RGUs, including approximately 8.8 million video subscribers, 1.5 million broadband Internet subscribers, and 847,500 telephone subscribers. For further information: www.unitedglobal.com.

About Pace Micro Technology

Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE: PIC) is a leader in digital television technology. The Company's primary focus is the development of innovative set-top box solutions for operators, broadcasters, telecommunications companies and retail markets worldwide.

Pace's head office is in Shipley West Yorkshire, with further offices in the USA, Hong Kong, Germany and France. For further information, please visit Pace's web site at www.pacemicro.com.

CONTACT:

Pace Corporate Public Relations

Pace Micro Technology

Helen Kettleborough, +44 1274 538005

[email protected]

or

Julia Ruane, +44 1274 537093

[email protected]

KEYWORD: UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETING AGREEMENTS

SOURCE: Pace Micro Technology

Copyright Business Wire 2005