NewTek Unveils TalkShow video calling production system at IBC 2014

AMSTERDAM, IBC Stand 7.K11, September 12, 2014‹NewTek
<www.newtek.com/> today unveiled TalkShow VS-100
<www.newtek.com/products/talkshow.html> , a video calling production
system designed specifically for television studios and live video
producers. With TalkShow, any television or live video producer can easily
reach 300 million monthly connected Skype users and incorporate them as
guest speakers into live programs with full-frame Skype video calls.
Attendees at the 2014 IBC Convention in Amsterdam from September 12-16 can
be the first to see the new TalkShow system at the NewTek stand 7.K11.

The turnkey TalkShow system builds upon Skype TX software
<media.skype.com/skype-tx/>  from Microsoft for initiating,
receiving, monitoring and managing video calls, with a unique set of live
production tools not found in other video calling systems. With TalkShow,
users have access to customizable settings for fully color correcting live
video calls (including features for automatic color balancing) as well as
SDI-embedded audio, and compressor/limiter, equalization, and adjustable
head-room controls for further improving audio quality. These tools allow
producers to deliver enhanced video/audio experiences that are critical when
producing credible, high-quality broadcast programming and are simply not
possible with standard desktop video messaging products. Additionally,
producers using TalkShow with TriCaster multi-camera video production
systems will be able to route Skype video calls directly to and from a
TriCaster over a network connection without tying up an additional HD-SDI
input.

³Almost every live TV and video program includes a conversation between
people‹whether it¹s a news or entertainment show, a sporting event, or even
a corporate meeting,² said Dr. Andrew Cross, president and CTO of NewTek.
³While there¹s been a growing trend to incorporate social media‹such as live
Twitter feeds‹directly into these programs, integrating a two-way dialogue
over Skype dramatically shifts the experience to a more engaging and
participatory event. TalkShow truly breaks down the fourth-wall in
traditional live television. It¹s a fast, easy, low-cost way to reach anyone
in any location with a simple Skype video call and to enrich program content
with immediate access to the fresh perspective, analysis and opinions that
only a guest speaker can deliver.²

Angie Hill, general manager for Audience Marketing from Skype added, ³Skype
TX is an important part of our offering to media so we¹re delighted to
welcome NewTek to the Skype family. We¹re now able to bring new dimensions
to broadcaster¹s productions and inspire a brand new generation of media
moments.²

TalkShow: Make, Receive, Monitor and Adjust Skype Video Calls

TalkShow is the only production system for live video calls that enables
broadcasters to manage all aspects of a live Skype video call in the control
room like any other video source‹and adjust the visual and audio quality of
each call. The low cost, integrated hardware and software solution is
broadcast ready, offering dual channel Ethernet connectivity, two channels
(1 in, 1 out) of HD-SDI I/O that includes reference signal, professional XLR
audio support, Tally support and more. The 1RU system allows producers to
easily incorporate TalkShow into any live production or studio environment
and:

·       Access anyone they can reach online‹including the rapidly growing
audience of 300 million monthly connected Skype users worldwide, to include
more expert analysis and perspective in their shows, without specialized
networking tools, ENG clients or proprietary software to call into a live
broadcast or event.

·       Transform any Skype video call initiated to‹or from‹a desktop,
laptop, X-Box gaming system, Skype enabled TV, or mobile device into
full-frame video‹with automatic aspect ratio conversions and balanced audio.
TalkShow operators can work free of audio/visual distractions such as
secondary call notifications and advertisements.

·       Color balance video images‹with full proc-amp controls and automatic
color correction to adjust image attributes for any lighting environment,
enabling video calls with poor lighting and contrast to appear with far
higher quality.

·       Deliver reliable broadcast audio signal quality‹with SDI-embedded
audio, and built-in compressor/limiter tools that keep call volumes at
consistent levels and prevent audio clipping. Additionally, producers who
often wrestle with scratchy audio and nasal-like midrange tone that results
from small telephonic microphones can adjust overall tonality and background
noise of any Skype call using the onboard graphic equalizer.

·       Actively monitor live Skype video calls‹with full Tally support that
allows operators to see when TalkShow Skype feeds are currently live in a
program.

·       Easily manage multiple, simultaneous Skype calls‹within a single,
user-friendly interface that offers operator previews, continuous call
quality monitoring, and automatic fallback to custom still images when
unforeseen bandwidth constraints occur.

Pricing and Availability
The TalkShow VS-100 model is expected to ship in Q4 2014 and is available to
order now at a special introductory price of $3,995 USMSRP, which will
remain in effect through November 26, 2014. International pricing will vary.

For more information about TalkShow and pre-orders, please visit
www.newtek.com. <www.newtek.com./>

About NewTek
NewTek is transforming the way people create network-style television
content and share it with the world. From sporting events, Web-based talk
shows, live entertainment, classrooms, and corporate communications‹to
virtually any venue where people want to capture and publish live video, we
give our customers the power to grow their audiences, brands and businesses,
faster than ever before.

Clients include: ³The X Factor,² New York Giants, NBA Development League,
Fox News, BBC, NHL, Nickelodeon, CBS Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports, MTV,
TWiT.TV, USA TODAY, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and more than 80% of the U.S.
Fortune 100.

NewTek is privately owned and based in San Antonio, Texas.  For more
information on NewTek please visit: www.newtek.com <www.newtek.com> ,
Twitter <twitter.com/#!/newtekinc> , YouTube
<www.youtube.com/newtekinc> , Flickr
<www.flickr.com/photos/newtekinc/>  or connect with us on Facebook
<www.facebook.com/newtekinc> .

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€   NewTek, TriCaster, 3Play and TalkShow are trademarks of NewTek.
€   All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.