NEW YORK — Aug. 20, 2008 — Leading electronic media services provider Crawford Communications, Inc. (Crawford) has chosen the Genesis Networks fiber infrastructure as a key component in the launch of a new high-definition (HD) service offering for Crawford's client, World Fishing Network (WFN). The Genesis Networks fiber network provides a seamless, fully managed terrestrial link for WFN to deliver the HD feed from its Toronto, Ontario, headquarters to Crawford's distribution hub in Atlanta. From there, Crawford uplinks the signal to SES AMERICOM's AMC-10 satellite, for distribution by DISH Network to fishing enthusiasts throughout North America.
"We have a long-standing relationship with Genesis, and its network is an integral part of the fiber solution we offer to hundreds of clients. We bid a lot of Genesis' global networking services to our customers because we know we can count on high-quality, cost-effective service," said Ed Deckert, vice president of teleport and Internet services for Crawford. "Since Genesis has been providing the SD feed for WFN almost from its inception, it was logical to use the same fiber network for delivery of the new HD service."
WFN began transmission of its new HD channel to DISH Network subscribers in June. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the channel provides recreational and sport fishing enthusiasts with a wide range of programming on American and Canadian angling, saltwater and freshwater fishing, professional competitions, expert advice, international tournaments, travel destinations, and conservation.
"Thanks to advancements in global fiber working in concert with the industry's leading-edge uplinking and transmission services, HD content is becoming available to cable and satellite subscribers with just about any interest, from fishing to home improvement," said Paul Dujardin, president and CEO, Genesis Networks. "We value our working relationship with Crawford because it's truly complementary — it enables us to play a key role in this proliferation of special-interest content, and Crawford has the advantage of a highly reliable fiber transmission offering to provide its customers."
# # #
About Crawford Communications
Crawford Communications, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leader in the electronic media services industry and has been offering domestic and international clients a full spectrum of video, film, audio, IP-media, and satellite services since 1981. Crawford has evolved with technology to comprise the best in high-definition and standard-definition satellite transmission, television network origination and playback, satellite uplink truck services, and multicamera production trucks; studios; remote video production; media management; streaming media/webcasting; online services; high-definition creative editorial, film transfer, and color correction; sound design and mixing; 5.1 surround sound; Blu-ray and DVD authoring; and standards conversion. For more information about Crawford Communications and its services, call 404.876.7149 in Atlanta or toll free 800.831.8027. The company can be found on the Internet at www.crawford.com.
About Genesis Networks
Genesis Networks provides broadcasters, cable networks, production companies, and corporations with high-quality customized global video transmission services that are reliable, flexible, and affordable. The Genesis Networks platform is a next-generation, IP-based fiber and satellite video network with cutting-edge switching and compression technologies. With more than 170 locations worldwide and growing, many organizations can now take advantage of Genesis services. The company's network operations center in New York City maintains the health and standards of the global network while the Genesis proprietary software system, IRIS, allows clients to have remote, real-time network monitoring, scheduling, and control capabilities. For additional information on Genesis Networks and its innovative products, please visit www.gen-networks.com.
ENDS
