Convergent Media Systems Delivers IPTV Technology to World Cup Stadiums

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Convergent Media Systems, a Ballantyne Strong, Inc. company (NYSE: BTN), announced that it has designed and installed IPTV (Internet Protocol television) systems that are being used in two of the key stadiums hosting the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament. Convergent will also be responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the systems during the World Cup.

“We’re proud to showcase our capabilities during the world’s most prominent sporting event”


The IPTV system was designed to deliver targeted programming and content to provide fans with an impactful in-stadium experience. The Convergent team provided a turnkey solution, which included system design, procurement, integration, testing, installation, quality assurance and ongoing technical support.

The system will reach more than 74,000 fans across 400 televisions in the Maracana stadium in Rio De Janeiro, which is the host stadium and location of the World Cup finals. The system is also being utilized in the Estadio Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, where it will be seen by over 58,000 fans on 250 televisions.

Convergent is leveraging its Network Operations Center (NOC) to provide real time monitoring of each device in the stadiums to ensure maximum uptime. The NOC is also responsible for managing content streams across the entire IP infrastructure. Targeted content allows for specific messaging and programming to be distributed and displayed at specific end points throughout the stadium.

“We’re proud to showcase our capabilities during the world’s most prominent sporting event,” said Gary L. Cavey, president and CEO of Ballantyne Strong. “Our engineering and technical support teams have done an amazing job of designing and maintaining a reliable solution that will engage fans no matter where they are in the stadium.”

The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and will draw in more than 3 billion viewers.

About Convergent

Convergent Media Systems, a Ballantyne Strong company, provides innovative digital media solutions that allow its customers to engage, inspire and influence their consumers and employees. From simple, out-of-the-box solutions to comprehensive, end-to-end solutions, Convergent provides the flexibility to mix applications and services that meet its customers’ unique requirements. Some of the best-known companies and brands rely on Convergent to leverage digital media to increase sales, improve customer experiences and increase consumer engagement. Today Convergent is responsible for creating, managing and displaying dynamic content that is seen by millions of people each day. For more information, visit www.convergent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company’s products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations.