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First UK Sale Of New PC-Based inca™ Virtual Studio System From vi[z]rt

New York, NY, August 14, 2000: Manchester-based Granada Television part of Granada Media has placed the first order in the UK for an inca virtual studio system from vizrt, a leading provider of fully integrated broadcast graphics solutions formed by the recent merger of vizrt and Peak Broadcast Systems.

Granada's selection of the inca 3D virtual studio system makes it the first commercial broadcaster in the UK to move into virtual production.

Commenting on the purchase of the inca system, Guy Lewis, Head of Technical Operations, at Granada Television said, "This is a key product in the broadcast market. It is a truly versatile and affordable virtual studio system that will be used in the development of a number of new programmes. It will also enable us to greatly increase our studio efficiency, and will allow our programme makers to be even more innovative."

Jim Richardson, Head of Sales and Planning for Granada added, "This tool is a great addition to our portfolio of facilities. It will allow us not only to provide other options for our broadcast customers, but will also open up other markets in the corporate, commercial design, and new media sectors."

David Zerah, vizrt Director of Sales in Europe, explained, "this is a key project for vizrt, as we'll be working with Granada to help create new types of programming using the inca system. We are very anxious to begin work with them and see what type of programming possibilities emerge."

Supplied through Metro Broadcast, vizrt's UK-based reseller of Virtual Studio Systems, the inca system will be used for a variety of programmes. inca is the only Windows-based, open architecture PC solution on the market. It is a fully scaleable and upgradeable system; thereby ensuring it remains at the forefront of studio technology and continues to protect the customer's investment.

Other key features of the inca system include: easy-to-use studio calibration for immediate operation, a user-friendly multiple fixed camera set up, a preview channel without blind cutting, and a standard Windows user interface.

inca was launched at NAB 2000, and since then sales have accounted for more than 30% of vizrt's revenue during the second quarter of 2000. Yahoo! is among the recent inca customers. Yahoo! acquired the system for its live-to-air financial news station.