Digital Alert Systems and Harmonic Pair Up to Ease Emergency Messaging in ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 Environments

Digital Alert Systems’ DASDEC and EAS-Net Integrate With Harmonic’s XOS Advanced Media Processor for More Efficient Emergency Messaging in
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LYNDONVILLE, N.Y., and SAN JOSE, Calif. — Oct. 25, 2022 — Digital Alert Systems, the global leader in emergency communications solutions for media providers, and Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced a new technology partnership. Under the agreement, the Digital Alert Systems DASDEC™ Flexible Emergency Messaging Platform and its EAS-Net™ communications interface integrate with Harmonic’s XOS Advanced Media Processor. This integration makes it possible for video distributors that use both companies’ systems — whether operating in ATSC 1.0, ATSC 3.0 or both environments — to include emergency information in their programming in the most efficient manner. It benefits all types of video distributors, including traditional OTA broadcasters and CATV and streaming providers.

Combining the market-leading Harmonic XOS Advanced Media Processor with Digital Alert Systems’ DASDEC with EAS-Net, customers can provide emergency alerting information — including text crawls and audio — using a single, simple IP communications connection. This powerful solution eliminates the need for one or more separate media keyers, switchers, and a host of individual cables and connectors, or the need to use the highly unpopular full-screen replacement. The net result is a very clean installation for less cost and clutter. And because the DASDEC is IP-based, it can be placed in a remote market and network-connected directly to the Harmonic XOS processor — something that wouldn’t be possible without EAS-Net.

The EAS-Net communication protocol not only enables emergency alert text and audio message transfers to remote devices, but it also includes many revolutionary features, such as flexible event scheduling, simultaneous multistation alerts, and multilingual support. EAS-Net also features expansion options, like EAS-Net AEA, which supports the Advanced Emergency Information (AEI) elements in the ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) standard. This means the same equipment supports both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 standards and future developments.

The Harmonic/Digital Alert Systems solution has made it possible for Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns, operates, and/or services 185 television stations in 86 markets, to test and demo the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and AEI for ATSC 3.0.

“Linking Harmonic’s XOS Advanced Media Processor and Digital Alert Systems’ DASDEC with EAS-Net provides a direct IP connection for emergency alerting, including text crawls and audio, across multiple streams in both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 environments at minimum cost and fewer points of failure,” said Mark Aitken, SVP, Advanced Technology Sinclair Broadcast Group and President, ONE Media 3.0 LLC. “Further, EAS-Net enables Advanced Emergency Information routing, an essential broadcast core network function. This aligns perfectly with Sinclair’s mission to create and deploy a resilient and connected NextGen broadcast network for our NextGenTV experience.”

Harmonic’s XOS is the only tier-one media processor that has successfully integrated with Digital Alert Systems’ advanced IP-based EAS-Net protocol.

“This partnership marks two best-in-class companies coming together to streamline the emergency message requirements for broadcasters and Multiple Video Programming Distributors,” said Bill Robertson, vice president of business development, Digital Alert Systems. “Both the DASDEC system and the Harmonic XOS media processor offer the dual-platform benefit of supporting ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0. Also, EAS-NET saves customers money by reducing equipment footprint, and it packs many revolutionary features that further distinguish ATSC 3.0 from ATSC 1.0.”

“Many Harmonic customers are already enjoying the simplicity, agility and flexibility enabled by this integration in their day-to-day production environment,” said Jing Zhou, ATSC solution manager at Harmonic. “Our collaboration with Digital Alert Systems is another example of Harmonic’s continued investment and commitment to ATSC and the entire broadcast community.”

More information about Digital Alert Systems is available at www.digitalalertsystems.com. More information about Harmonic and the company’s solutions is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

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About Digital Alert Systems
Digital Alert Systems is the leading innovator of next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) for radio and television broadcasters. In 2009, Digital Alert Systems merged with Monroe Electronics, whose EAS products are the widely accepted standard for CATV. From its headquarters in Lyndonville, New York, Digital Alert Systems provides R&D, manufacturing, sales, and customer service for all Digital Alert Systems and Monroe Electronics One-Net™ brands and maintains its hard-earned reputation for quality, reliability, and service to valued customers around the world.

More information is available at www.digitalalertsystems.com.

About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized cable access and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized cable access networking via the industry’s first virtualized cable access solution, enabling cable operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet service to consumers’ homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet cable services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic’s business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Link to Word Doc: www.wallstcom.com/DigitalAlertSystems/221025-Digital_Alert_Systems-Harmonic_Partner.docx

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Photo Caption: Digital Alert Systems and Harmonic announce new technology partnership.

Digital Alert Systems and Harmonic Pair Up to Ease Emergency Messaging in ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 Environments