Optibase's New Products Enable Service Providers/Broadcasters to Take Advantage of Digital Video Capabilities Over Networks

Optibase a leader in broadband digital video networking solutions, will unveil its newest products at the National Association of Broadcasters show taking place in Las Vegas, April 23-26.

Topping the list of new products is Optibase's MGW 3100. The MGW 3100 bridges the gap between digital video and high-speed data networks, creating new opportunities for operators and service providers and enabling them to take advantage of high-bandwidth data networks to deliver video and TV services. It also enables broadcasters to deliver real-time broadcast TV from remote sites at a fraction of the cost of satellite transmission.

The MGW 3100 receives MPEG-2 DVB-ASI streams, encapsulates the MPEG-2 in IP using the RTP standard and transmits it into the network in unicast or multicast mode. It is a complete 1RU turnkey system. The special features of this product open new markets for Optibase in both broadband and broadcast domains. The MGW 3100 is an example of the increased business potential resulting from the acquisition of Viewgraphics by Optibase in December 2000.

Optibase also unveils its family of new encoders called MovieMaker 200S. The MovieMaker 200S is a single half-size PCI encoding board that offers a full range of video and audio interfaces, video resolutions, audio encoding formats and MPEG multiplexing capabilities. The top video quality provided by the MovieMaker 200S together with its compact size makes it highly attractive for video networking and streaming applications. MPEG MovieMaker 200S boards are fully integrated with Optibase's video streaming and networking platforms and supported by Optibase's SDK.
The encoders are customizable with several configurations and prices to suit a variety of needs, beginning at $1,695 for MPEG-1 and $3,495 for MPEG-2. The new encoder has applications in such areas as content creation, business TV, video-on-demand, WebTV, e-learning and surveillance and monitoring.

In addition, Optibase will present its pre-beta version of the MGW 4000 media gateway built on Microsoft's Windows NT Embedded Operating System, with improved video quality using Windows Media Video 7 as well as MPEG-4-based and MPEG-2 streaming capabilities
In its technology demonstration section, Optibase will show real time transcoding between MPEG 1 and MPEG 4, based on its uniquely efficient, proprietary algorithm, to be implemented in its forthcoming MGW 5100 product family.

NAB Demonstrations to Highlight Partners' Technologies

Recognizing the expertise Optibase brings to the streaming media industry, a number of partners are using Optibase's backbone products to enable their next-generation technology. Demonstrations at the NAB show include:

Microsoft Theater, Booth i5921

As part of its streaming media demonstration, Microsoft will have a demonstration of Optibase's MGW 4000 encoding and streaming server streaming real-time digital video in Microsoft's Windows Media Video format. Jonathan Usher, Group Product Manager, Windows Digital Media Division of Microsoft Corporation, said "Optibase's support for Windows Media Video in their MGW-4000 streaming video gateway provides a powerful solution to stream the highest quality video in real time."

Alcatel, Booth #L241

Alcatel will present end-to-end solutions for delivering multi-channel digital television and rich media services over DSL using the Optibase MGW 2000 media gateway and Interactive TV Management software from iMagicTV and Myrio Corporation.

Equator Technologies, Booth #L559

Equator Technologies, a leading provider of comprehensive broadband digital communications and media processing infrastructure, will demonstrate Optibase's MGW-4000, powered by the Equator MAP-CA processor. The MGW-4000 demonstration will include encoding and streaming real-time digital video in the MPEG-4 format (Microsoft WMT compliant).

About Optibase
Optibase is a leading provider of media gateway solutions that bridge the gap between the digital broadcasting domain and IP broadband networks. These gateways provide critical technology for the transmission of video, audio and data for applications such as interactive TV, e-learning, business TV, video-enhanced e-commerce, webTV, and local content insertion. Founded in 1990, Optibase is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: OBAS) with headquarters in Herzliya, Israel and operates in North America through its fully owned subsidiary, Optibase, Inc. In December, 2000, Optibase completed its acquisition of Viewgraphics, Inc., based in Mountain View and a leading provider of open systems infrastructure products for digital media transmission and content creation.

Optibase Signs Reseller Agreement with Nortel Networks for Media Gateway
Herzliya, Israel, April 23, 2001 – Optibase- (NASDAQ: OBAS), a leader in broadband streaming solutions, today announced it has signed an agreement with Nortel Networks for the resale of Optibase`s recently announced media gateway -- the MGW-2000. Under the agreement, Nortel Networks will purchase and resell Optibase`s MGW product line worldwide.
Optibase`s MGW-2000 provides an ideal solution for those using video as a communications tool for applications ranging from business TV to corporate communications and e-learning. Target customers include universities, government agencies and businesses.

The Optibase MGW-2000 is a multi-channel media gateway that allows real-time streaming of MPEG digital video and audio over IP networks. The MGW-2000 features an embedded operating system and is capable of encoding and transmitting up to 16 streams simultaneously, including six in real time, and delivering full-screen, full-motion, high quality video. Packaged in a 2 RU rack-mounted, future-ready modular platform with a variety of network interfaces, the MGW-2000 includes field upgradeable slots capable of hosting a mix of modules. Current capabilities include MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MP3 streaming from 32Kbit/s to 10Mbit/s, but future versions will include streaming in MPEG 4 and Microsoft WMT formats. An ultra-wide SCSI interface connects the MGW-2000 to an external storage device for on-demand services. An Ethernet port provides connectivity to the web for remote management.

Bob DeFeo, President of Optibase, Inc., said, ``We are delighted to be working with Nortel Networks. We believe Nortel Networks high-performance Internet solutions using the MGW-2000 can provide enhanced video over IP in the enterprise and broadband markets. The MGW-2000 media gateway can be an integral part of video-based communications over broadband networks. This agreement is a significant step in Optibase`s strategy to become the premier provider of media gateways as part of the network infrastructure.``

About Optibase
Optibase provides high-quality, cost-effective products that enable the preparation and delivery of MPEG-based digital media over broadband networks. Optibase has created a breadth of product offerings used in applications which involve-the delivery of video over broadband networks, such as digital video archiving, distance learning and business television. Headquartered in Israel, Optibase operates through its fully owned subsidiary in San Jose (CA) and offices in the UK, France China and Japan. Optibase products are marketed in over 40 countries through a combination of direct sales, independent distributors, system integrators and OEM partners. For more information, please visit Optibase's web site at www.optibase.com.

Optibase, 3031 Tisch Way, Plaza West, Suite1, San Jose, CA 95128. Tel: 408-260-6760; Fax: 408-244-0545.