Pace selects ANT's user interface technology for cost-effective IPTV set-top box

IBC, Amsterdam, 10 September 2004

ANT Limited, the leading provider of user interface software for TV and consumer electronics, today announced that Pace Micro Technology (LSE:PIC) has once again selected ANT's Fresco browser for its latest digital broadband set-top box. Due to be unveiled today at IBC on the Pace booth, the DB210 will allow telcos and broadband ISPs to cost-effectively launch advanced television and multimedia services over existing telecommunications networks. ANT Fresco provides the high-quality, responsive and customisable user interface, digital content control and the capability for a range of additional interactive services.

The DB210 is the latest product from Pace that is using the industry standard ANT Fresco browser. It is a cost-effective digital broadband set-top box, specifically developed for the mass market, and designed for delivery of MPEG-2 digital video over broadband IP networks. It is targeted at telecoms and other service providers wanting a proven and high-performance platform to deliver a range of compelling broadcast, on-demand and interactive services.

"As part of a long standing relationship with ANT we have, for many years now, licensed ANT Fresco for use in our digital broadband set-top boxes," said Gary Stephenson, Global Alliance Manager, Digital Broadband Media at Pace Micro Technology. "ANT Fresco is a popular choice with our customers due to the functionality, level of customisation and wide-ranging middleware support it offers."

ANT's Fresco browser enables manufacturers of consumer electronics devices to efficiently develop standards-based, customised user interfaces, and to incorporate digital-content presentation and control into their products. Being the most widely deployed embedded browser in the broadband TV market and the browser of choice for the world's leading middleware providers, ANT Fresco is intended for use in appliances such as set-top boxes, digital TVs and DVD players.

"ANT Fresco continues to provide our customers with a commercial edge in this rapidly growing global market," said Stephen Reeder, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at ANT Limited. "I am delighted that our relationship with Pace continues to flourish and that together we are enjoying real success in the broadband TV market."

The new Pace DB210 set-top box will be demonstrated on the Pace booth 1.420, at IBC, from 10-14 September 2004.

About ANT Software Limited

ANT plc (www.antplc.com) is a leading provider of digital TV client and consumer electronic software solutions. ANT's unique client solutions allow robust and consistent delivery of digital-media, user interfaces, interactive services and applications to the TV and portable media devices. ANT enables service providers to efficiently create and deploy successful solutions to the market that deliver high value and clear differentiation.

ANT's products are pre-integrated with many industry-leading solutions and are based upon open standards, enabling low-risk, cost-effective roll-out of services, while ensuring flexible client hardware choice with efficient bill of materials. ANT software has been extensively deployed by customers throughout the world including Chunghwa Telecom, Foxconn, France Telecom, Humax, LG/Nortel, Philips, Sagem, Samsung, SaskTel, Telecom Italia and Thomson.

ANT plc's shares are listed on AIM, a London Stock Exchange regulated market, under the ticker ANTP (Reuters: ANTP.L, Bloomberg: ANTP.LN).

About Pace Micro Technology

Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE: PIC) is a leader in digital television technology. The Company's primary focus is the development of innovative set-top box solutions for operators, broadcasters, telecommunications companies and retail markets worldwide.

Pace's head office is in Shipley West Yorkshire, with further offices in the USA, Hong Kong, Germany and France. For further information, please visit Pace’s web site at www.pacemicro.com.

Trademarks

ANT, the ANT logo, Galio, Fresco and PurePlay are all trademarks or registered trademarks of ANT Software Limited. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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