ZIOVA Leads the Way in High Definition Streaming

After the success of its popular Clearstream CS505 in Europe's fast-growing High Definition Network DVD Media Player segment, ZIOVA (www.ziova.com) today announced its latest groundbreaking product, the ClearStream CS615.

This new player utilizes the latest chipset technology and design to capture the rapidly-growing markets for units that can play downloadable content. Amongst other new features, the new ZIOVA CS615 offers users the freedom of storing downloaded content directly onto a user-installable internal hard drive, making it a totally self-contained and customizable solution.

Built using the same rock-solid player engine that caused a worldwide sensation, the ZIOVA Cleastream CS615 is crafted with the new and more powerful chipset, the Sigma Designs 8634.

The CS615 continues to support all major file formats including high-definition Windows Media® Video 9 and MPEG4. It also adds the very popular H.264 format which is becoming widely adopted as a broadcast standard around the globe for IPTV as well as for Video on Demand content providers.

While the player does not have a built-in DVD drive, the Clearstream CS615 provides chipset support for both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD standards.

ZIOVA CEO Raaj Menon said the design of the Clearstream players was based on customer needs and feedback. "At this stage, we want to continue the growth of our pure Networkable players," he said. "However, if the need for either a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD version arises, then we can easily make this a reality."

The new Cleastream CS615 players feature:

1. 'SMB Server Support' which allows users to have multiple units and stream from the internal hard drives of any player.

2. 'FTP Server Support', which allows easy remote access to the files on the hard drive.

3. '2 x USB connections' one on front and rear of the player for adding extra storage to the device.

These are just a few extras that will make this device a truly desirable piece of equipment for any home or corporate environment.

Connectivity to the PC or internet is dealt with a single easy to use Ethernet port.

Mr. Menon said future players would eventually support the imminent 802.11n wireless protocol. "Not everyone wants wireless" he said.

"Wireless technology and standards are evolving at a rapid pace. We want to provide the core network player functionality, without the cost and complexity of wireless networking. This helps keep down the retail price, so people aren't paying for what they may not use."

The Clearstream CS505 comprehensively handles video and audio connections, including HDMI, component, SVideo and composite for video and optical, coaxial, stereo as well as 5.1 analogue for audio.

Pricing and Availability:

The ZIOVA ClearStream CS615 will be available in March 2008 in the US at a recommended retail price of US$329. Europe and Australia will follow shortly after.

Ziova offers OEM/ODM to companies that wish to extend their product range or are entering into this market category.

http://www.pr.com/press-release/65685