Ericsson to power IPTV and mobile channels for Volvo Ocean Race

At this year's Volvo Ocean Race viewers can keep up to date with the latest developments via live mobile TV, or through IPTV in each race village, delivered by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).  Viewers will enjoy personalized coverage via a user-controlled camera interface offering multiple in-port race views - a breakthrough made possible by Ericsson's world leading technology.  

The Volvo Ocean Race, the world's most grueling offshore yacht race, is held from October 2008 to June 2009. The longest journey on this round-the-world marathon is a massive 12,300 nautical mile leg between Qingdao and Rio de Janerio. In-port races will be held at stopover points in Alicante, Singapore, Qingdao, Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway and Stockholm.

The Ericsson powered Volvo Ocean Race service will start in October and make sure the sailing fans never have to leave the race. They can take the latest information and entertainment services with them wherever they are in the world.  After the in-port segments of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, Spain, viewers can use a camera selection feature to follow the boat of their choice. The service also employs first-rate features such as fast-channel switching.
Jan Wäreby, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson's multimedia business, says: "With these new multimedia channels viewers will be able to enjoy a dynamic mobile experience that is personalized and interactive - anytime, anywhere and on any device. It represents the next-generation of services and puts the user in control at the center of the experience, especially during the Volvo Ocean Race."

Andrew Ferguson, Head of Technology and New Media for the Volvo Ocean Race, says: "Ericsson's state-of-the-art mobile technology will provide race fans with a new dimension to their online experience. Viewers can keep in touch with the race whenever and wherever they want."
Ericsson is leading the global technology evolution that enables broadband anywhere through its one network approach.  Volvo Ocean Race will be a living case study of how to deliver revenue generating next generation multimedia services from HD through to mobile. Opportunities to discuss the case study during the race can be taken at the various port stops around the world.