TransNET Sports Radio Network Webcasts MPEG-4 Live from the French Open Using Backbone Internet Radio

(Paris, France; June 3, 2003).........Fans of Grand Slam tennis are now able to tune in to the Internet and listen to live radio coverage from the 2003 French Open Tennis championship at Roland Garros, Paris. TransNET Sports Radio Network is providing the around the clock webcast, including post-match interviews and live ball-by-ball coverage, using Backbone Radio Pro production and streaming software. This marks one of the first international sports broadcasts using MPEG-4 to reach a worldwide audience.

TransNET offers a combination of live, on the scene interviews, commentary and action with a rotation of freshly recorded content from various areas of the event. Around the clock coverage provides in depth content for listeners around the globe, using the efficient MPEG-4 AAC encoding for high quality audio using low streaming bandwidth. According to TransNET President Carl Grande, Backboe has allowed us to bring cutting edge sports radio to an international audience via the Internet. All we need is a mixer and a Mac, and we can put together a professional program schedule and stream it directly to all our listeners.

Backbone Radio is an integrated streaming software suite that makes it easy to organize, schedule and broadcast all types of live and recorded audio directly onto the Internet, using low cost computers. Backbone Radio is aimed at helping new and established radio broadcasters economically manage their entry into Internet streaming, with intuitive, easy to use "jock-friendly" tools that emulate the professional broadcast environment.

"We are proud to have TransNET using Backbone Radio at the French Open," claims George Capalbo, Backbone Vice President and chief designer of the product. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to be associated with Grand Slam tennis, and a chance to showcase the remote capabilities of our software in an exciting, dynamic environment."

Backbone Internet Radio software application now uses MPEG-4 as its primary streaming format. The new worldwide standard delivers dramatically higher audio quality coupled with significantly faster compression speed. Version 2.0 builds upon Apple's QuickTime 6, which recently introduced MPEG-4 compatibility. Defined by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), MPEG-4 is the new worldwide standard for next-generation multimedia, including streaming for audio and video. With the free QuickTime Player or browser plug-in, listeners can play back any compliant MPEG-4 file, including Backbone Radio streams. Listeners can also view text annotation describing currently playing clips, auto-generated HTML-based program schedules and JPEG images, if provided in the webcast.

Backbone Radio allows operators to combine a fluid mix of live and cross-faded recorded material on the air. Playlists and schedules are created by simple drag and drop from CD tracks, MP3s or MP4 files. The operator may go "Live" to analog input at any time by pressing a button. A real-time Studio Monitor assures close coordination of digitally stored material in live broadcasts. Remote event streaming is possible by broadcasting with a portable Apple PowerBook as a control unit connected via DSL line from the event location to a second computer which functions as the server.

Backbone Networks Corporation focuses on software solutions for television and radio broadcasting. For more information, readers may contact: info@backbone.com or visit www.backbone.com.

TransNET Sports Radio Network, located in Hamden, CT, is a leading developer of world class sports radio content, and provides live and recorded commentary to radio stations throughout the United States. Visit http://www.transnt.com/.