NEW YORK -- Sony Electronics Inc. and Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LVLT - News) today announced that they have successfully transferred digital broadcast video and audio segments across Level 3's wide area Ethernet network using Sony's e-VTR technology. Representing the merging of synchronous video/audio systems and asynchronous data networks, Sony's e-VTR involves an add-on option that enables Sony MPEG IMX VTRs to connect to Ethernet networks. With the e-VTR option, MPEG IMX VTRs can transfer video and audio segments as files over IP networks to or from other MPEG IMX VTRs, servers or nonlinear editing systems anywhere in the world. This asynchronous distribution introduces significant production and workflow advantages. In addition, the accompanying e-VTR Manager software enables remote control of VTRs, allowing, for instance, a technical director in New York to roll tape on a VTR in Moscow.

"With the e-VTR on Level 3's network, broadcasters can now enjoy the benefits that Ethernet networks can provide, which can include improved operational efficiencies and workflow management, and lower transmission costs," said Stephen Jacobs, senior vice president for Sony's Broadcast and Production Services Division. "Sony's industry leading e-VTR systems and Level 3's Ethernet data networking capabilities give broadcast and video professionals the opportunity to innovatively exploit these benefits today.

"In essence, it's like having a very long Ethernet cable that connects multiple video production facilities regardless of location: across town, across the country, and around the globe."

In the recent testing phase of the e-VTR, the team of Sony and Level 3 engineers successfully transferred 50 and 30 Mbps broadcast 4:2:2 digital video segments across a local network. The team also successfully transferred the video segments across a wide area network from a Sony e-VTR between Denver and Washington, D.C. and between Denver and Dallas using Level 3's (3)Flex Ethernet service.

Level 3 Communications Inc.

Sony Corp.