SureWest Upgrades SeaChange Video-on-Demand Platform, Launches T-Commerce with Warner Bros. Film Titles

SureWest Claims T-Commerce First with Introduction of SeaChange’s Watch & Buy Application, Moves to VODlink 5.0 Software Platform

ACTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SeaChange International (NASDAQ: SEAC), a leading global multi-screen video software provider, today announced that integrated communications provider SureWest Communications has upgraded its SeaChange-based video-on-demand (VOD) service to VODlink 5.0, the latest generation of SeaChange’s VOD software applications platform. The upgrade at SureWest’s Kansas City system enabled the operator to introduce SeaChange’s Watch & Buy T-Commerce application to its subscribers.

SureWest will use Watch & Buy to allow subscribers to purchase, for home delivery, DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of Warner Bros.’ on-demand streamed movies directly through their VOD subscriber experience. SeaChange has configured several first-run titles from Warner Bros. studios for disc purchase in Kansas City the same day they are released for VOD viewing, including “Arthur,” “Hall Pass,” “Something Borrowed,” “Sucker Punch,” “Red Riding Hood” and “Unknown.”

In addition to launching Watch & Buy, SureWest is leveraging VODlink 5.0 to provide its subscribers with faster VOD navigation and program launch times along with enhanced graphics capabilities for its user experience. VODlink is integrated with SeaChange’s Axiom on Demand VOD back office at SureWest, and can work with other third-party VOD products.

“SureWest is operating in an intensely competitive market in Kansas City, and we see our upgrade to VODlink 5.0 and the launch of Watch & Buy as a significant step in differentiating the services and experiences we can offer to current and potential subscribers,” said Ken Johnson, vice president & chief technology officer, SureWest. “Being the first to deploy both VODlink 5.0 and Watch & Buy is indicative of SureWest’s ability to continuously embrace new technologies and advanced services.”

“We are pleased to work with SureWest on the first market offers using the Watch & Buy T-Commerce application,” said Anthony Landamia, executive director, product management, SeaChange. “This marks a major milestone in true T-Commerce, as this is the first time all the partners, technologies and business models have been properly aligned to provide a true end-to-end solution that can be scaled nationally.”

Sanjiv Moré, senior director of advanced advertising and VOD sales, SeaChange, added, “SureWest’s decision to upgrade to VODlink 5.0 is a testament to their desire to regularly push the technological envelope and provide their subscribers with the best possible entertainment experience. Our platforms enable the seamless introduction of new opportunities so operators can expand services and enhance experiences for subscribers.”

Watch & Buy includes a lightweight set-top application, user interface customization, and fully managed back-end order fulfillment. A DVD symbol appearing next to select titles in an operator’s VOD library alerts subscribers that the title is also available for purchase as a DVD or download. Subscribers may be presented with the opportunity to order DVDs in different formats such as Blu-Ray.

About SureWest

SureWest Communications (www.surewest.com) is a leading integrated communications provider and the bandwidth leader in the markets it serves. Headquartered in Northern California for more than 95 years, SureWest offers bundled residential and commercial services in the greater Sacramento and Kansas City regions that include IP-based digital and high-definition television, high-speed Internet, Voice over IP, and local and long distance telephone. SureWest was the nation's first provider to launch residential HDTV over an IP network and offers one of the nation's fastest symmetrical Internet services with speeds of up to 50 Mbps in each direction on its fiber-to-the-home network.

About SeaChange

SeaChange International (NASDAQ: SEAC) is a global leader in multi-screen video and one of the largest software companies worldwide. The Company provides innovative, Emmy award-winning solutions and services for back office, advertising, content, in-home devices and broadcast to hundreds of media companies, including all major cable operators in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, plus other blue-chip companies such as Virgin Media, AT&T, Hutchison Whampoa, Vodacom and DISH Network. Headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, SeaChange is TL 9000 certified and has product development, support and sales offices around the world. Visit www.schange.com.

SeaChange PR
Jim Sheehan, 1-978-897-0100 x3064
jim.sheehan@schange.com
or
SeaChange IR
Martha Schaefer, 1-978-897-0100 x3030
martha.schaefer@schange.com

Source: SeaChange International

Released September 19, 2011