FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2005

BTV+ Applauds FCC Order on Expanding Emergency Alerts that sets stage for Digital Signage compliance requirement for emergency alert broadcast.

Mississauga, Ontario- BTV+ (www.btvplus.com) a premier provider of IP Satellite connectivity for Digital Signage, Distance Learning and business communications applauds the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order on expanding emergency alerts, noting that BTV+ already meets this new FCC requirement.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) First Report and Order of November 3, 2005, “helps ensure that consumers have access to emergency alert and warning information”. The order expands the Commission’s current Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules to include providers of digital broadcast and cable TV, digital audio broadcasting, satellite radio, and direct broadcast satellite services for compliance by December 31, 2006.

The FCC Order sets the stage for a compliance requirement by digital signage network operators, which provide highly visible digital display in locations used by the public while commuting, shopping, eating, working and being entertained.

The new order responds to the growing use of digital technologies and the 9/11 Commission final report of June 22, 2004. “We expect future attacks,” said Thomas H. Kean, Chair of the 9/11 Commission when releasing their final report. The 9/11 Commission recommended the adoption of expanded emergency and public alert communications, and further recommended that “an organization’s use of this technology be considered in assessing insurability and creditworthiness” (page 415 of the report)”.

“BTV+ provides this capability today” said Larry Steinman, President and CEO of BTV+. He added, "in providing connectivity, BTV+ seeks to best meet our client’s needs including scalability and functional advancement in a framework of cost containment and predictability. Digital signage networks will expand in size and application, integrating, for example, associate training and distance learning, certification, management, and sponsored interactive communications. BTV+ s satellite distribution services are ideally suited to digital signage. Secure, reliable media transport that improves operating and cost effectiveness as the network grows, is a key factor in optimal network performance. The ease and speed of deployment make satellite communications very attractive to digital signage network operators.”

A March 2004 BTV+ paper entitled “Digital Signage Networks (DS) for Homeland Security” is available at www.btvplus.com in the Resources section- White Papers. Related materials on building safety and “values messaging” are available in Resources - Articles.

About BTV+
BTV+ was founded in 1981 and is a pioneer of interactive image display for distance learning, multi-location digital presentation and digital signage. BTV+ uses secure, internet protocol (IP) satellite communications currently serving thousands of locations in USA, Canada and Mexico. Over 20,000 hours per year of live content is produced for BTV+ clients in retail, grocery, banking, apparel, post office, gaming, automotive and other locations. BTV+ operates studios in the US and Canada. The firm’s core offering includes satellite bandwidth for business applications and its capabilities include large-scale, North America-wide project management, installation and operations. See www.btvplus.com

BTV+
Mississauga, Ontario Canada
Phone: (905) 403-7061
E-Mail: dspence@canbtv.com
Website URL: www.btvplus.com