DECC D&E Communications (MM)

D&E Communications Deploys Tut Systems Digital TV Platform to Deliver Triple Play Services 19th Largest Telephone Company in the U.S. Uses Tut Systems Astria(R) Content Processor to Launch D&E Digital TV Over Its Broadband Network LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tut Systems, Inc. today announced that D&E Communications, Inc. , a provider of integrated communications services in Pennsylvania, and the 19th largest independent operating company (IOC) in the U.S., commercially deployed digital TV service over its telecommunications network using a Tut Systems digital TV headend. D&E, based in Ephrata, PA, supplies telephone and data access services to more than 175,000 lines in central Pennsylvania. The company's digital entertainment service, D&E Digital TV, completes a triple play of unlimited local telephone and Internet services for residential customers. D&E is the only service provider in the Ephrata, PA area that offers customers a bundled package of phone, Internet and digital TV services over a single network. "Tut Systems demonstrated a level of insight and experience in video processing and video networking that made it the logical choice," said Stuart L. Kirkwood, Vice President, Engineering and Construction for D&E Communications. "The simple fact that they have a formalized digital headend user group speaks to how the company has been able to consistently and successfully deliver on the promise of getting telcos into the digital TV business. As the roll out of D&E Digital TV continues, we look forward to adding a compelling and high-quality service to an already strong customer base." D&E Digital TV is currently available in Lewisburg, Mifflinburg and other municipalities in Union County in Pennsylvania. D&E offers customers free installation when they select one of two bundled packages that include digital TV, high-speed Internet, and local and long distance telephone. D&E's premium Digital Connection Plus package consists of 109 channels of digital TV; 45 channels of digital music; pay-per-view movies; voice-mail and on the TV-screen caller ID; and high speed DSL service. "As larger telcos such as D&E seriously look at offering digital TV via their broadband access networks, they will look for a proven solution that offers flexibility, reliability and an open path to future enhancements," said Sal D'Auria, CEO and President of Tut Systems. "Our Astria platform is based on 20 years of industry knowledge and 4 years of experience in deploying telco TV solutions. We look forward to continuing a close relationship with D&E as it extends its service packages and service area." An Industry Leading Digital TV Platform for Telcos Over 50 independent operating companies inthe United States now use Tut Systems Astria(R) platforms to deliver digital TV over DSL and other broadband networks. The Astria content processor (CP), which serves as the core of the company's digital headend solution, accommodates both analog and digital broadcast video from multiple sources in a variety of formats. The Astria CP provides real-time processing and conditioning of all the audio and video content for distribution over any ATM, IP, or RF broadband network. About Tut Systems, Inc. Tut Systems, Inc. delivers content processing and distribution products for deploying next-generation data and video services over broadband networks. Service providers, content providers and government agencies in the United States and abroad use Tut Systems solutions to deliver broadcast-quality video over broadband networks. NOTE: Tut Systems is headquartered in Lake Oswego, OR with regional offices across North America, Europe and Asia. For more information visit http://www.tutsys.com/ or call503-594-1400. Astria is a registered trademark of Tut Systems, Inc. DATASOURCE: Tut Systems, Inc. CONTACT: Jeff Schline of Tut Systems, +1-503-594-1364, or Web site: http://www.tutsystems.com/

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