Triveni Digital and Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) are collaborating to use data broadcasting technologies and applications to address key challenges faced by Mississippi’s education system in the wake of the recent devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Donated for indefinite use by Triveni Digital, the SkyScraper™ content distribution system, along with various software components including the SkyScraper Application Constructor content publishing system, is expected to enable the deployment of critical communication systems.

“Our thoughts are with the many people affected by this disaster. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with Mississippi Public Broadcasting to address some of the current educational challenges facing the citizens and government agencies of Mississippi,” said Mark Simpson, President and CEO of Triveni Digital. “MPB’s statewide TV and radio network provides a unique communication infrastructure. By combining our content distribution technologies with MPB’s powerful broadcasting system, we can significantly enhance the state’s communication systems now strained following Hurricane Katrina.”

The first joint project between MPB and Triveni Digital is aimed at helping schools to utilize technology to accelerate student learning for all students. Using this digital system, MPB and Triveni will distribute curriculum to students and teachers that can be used in both permanent and temporary classroom settings, in shelters, in homes and other facilities where Internet connection is unavailable. 

“Since Hurricane Katrina, we have strengthened partnerships to assist our students,” said Dr. Hank M. Bounds, State Superintendent of Education. “This collaboration among the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Public Broadcasting and Triveni Digital will help us provide rigorous curriculum and assessment materials as well as excellent professional development opportunities for teachers across the state.”

The system will be based on Triveni Digital’s SkyScraper content distribution system and Application Constructor content publishing and management system. 

“Mississippi Public Broadcasting turned to Triveni Digital immediately after Hurricane Katrina for help in reaching Mississippians with educational programs. We knew that traditional technology would not be enough,” said MPB executive director Marie Antoon. “We hope that these technologies will be able to bring education programs to the students on the Gulf Coast.”

The implications of this digital collaboration can be applied in the future to strengthen additional communication needs of the state. One potential use incorporates MPB’s broadcast transmission capabilities and Triveni Digital’s Digital Emergency Services Network (“ESN”) software.

SkyScraper Provides Versatile Content Distribution Platform for a Variety of Applications
The SkyScraper content distribution system provides opportunities for new uses of available bandwidth to deliver critical services. The system is a platform for highly efficient point-to-multipoint content distribution that also allows for targeted point-to-point delivery. The flexible system supports any digital broadcast medium including digital TV, satellite, digital cable, and IP multicast. Applications include Digital Signage, Enterprise Data Distribution, Digital Cinema, and Push VOD, as well as Education and Emergency Alert Systems.

A scalable and extensible system that accommodates the demands of today's content distribution requirements, the SkyScraper platform provides a clear path for future expansion. Open interfaces and a modular architecture provide an end-to-end environment for content distribution applications that can be adapted to any digital network.

About Mississippi Public Broadcasting 
Mississippi Public Broadcasting is a state agency that encompasses a network of commercial-free public radio, television, learning and community outreach services designed to empower and enrich the lives of Mississippians through the creative use of technologies to deliver programs and services that educate, entertain, and enlighten. In addition to educational programming and Mississippi-specific productions, Mississippi Public Broadcasting provides access to national public television and radio programming.

About Triveni Digital
Triveni Digital, Inc., a subsidiary of LG Electronics, is a leading developer of systems that provide for the management and distribution of data and metadata in digital television streams. Triveni Digital's products for content distribution, ATSC PSIP, DVB SI, data broadcasting, and stream analysis/monitoring are renowned for their ease of use and innovative features. Working with leading industry partners, Triveni Digital employs an open and standards-compliant approach to the digital television market. Visit http://www.trivenidigital.com for more information.

Note to Editors: When referring to Triveni Digital, please use the complete company name "Triveni Digital" and not just the word "Triveni". Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACTS:
Dawn Danaher
Media Relations for Triveni Digital
Aries MarketMasters
714-378-5841
PR@TriveniDigital.com 

Jennifer Griffin
Communications Manager
Foundation for Public Broadcasting in Mississippi
(601) 432-6209
Jennifer.Griffin@mpbonline.org

Caron Blanton, APR
Director of Communications
Mississippi Department of Education
P.O. Box 771
Jackson, MS 39205
601-359-3706
Fax: 601-359-3033
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us
http://www.mdekatrina.com