Cypress Builds MHz Networks On Demand Channel and Consumer Interface
Debuting on Roku, New Channel Expands MHz Viewer Demographic


FALLS CHURCH, VA, June 03, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- MHz Networks (www.mhznetworks.org), the largest U.S. independent public broadcaster, responsible for bringing premier international content to the country, recently introduced MHz On Demand, its new programming solution developed by Cypress (www.cypressconsulting.net), a business consulting, technology and creative services firm. MHz Network's On Demand premium channel is available on the family of Roku digital video players and uniquely features both free content as well as premium paid content, which users purchase via the MHz website and activate via Roku.

MHz Networks joins other major premium mainstream content providers on Roku, including Netflix, Amazon, and MLB.com, and offers viewers in more than 1 million households free, premium and paid programming, including leading international news broadcasters such as Al Jazeera English, France 24 and Russia today, exclusive global music artist interviews, MHz Network originals, Australian Football League (AFL) and GAA matches, as well as the MHz International Mysteries, including notable Italian series Detective Montalbano, among others. MHz On Demand is distributed from the company's new central digital content repository that Cypress developed and implemented utilizing ThePlatform, a leading online video management and publishing technology. The premium channel presents an intuitive consumer interface also designed by Cypress.

"The product we've established with Cypress allows us to move our premier international content to a new consumer base - one that's tech savvy and interested in getting the content they want, when they want it," said Frederick Thomas, MHz Networks CEO. "The creation of our on-demand product line strives to encourage viewers all over the country to think of MHz as the exclusive destination for international content, while continuing the tradition of MHz Networks' innovation, both through technologies used as well as the content we make available as an independent, non-profit broadcaster."

"As content ubiquity continues to be driven by consumer demand for preferred programming anytime, anywhere and on any device, MHz is well positioned to capture a large segment of the marketplace," said Nate Thompson, CEO of Cypress. "We strategically developed MHz's content platform with expansion and opportunities to add incremental revenue in mind. As device types become secondary, it will be critical for companies like MHz to adapt to user demand for access to content on their terms - be it online, on a mobile device, or via an IPTV device like Roku. We're pleased to have developed a new system for MHz to manage, distribute and monetize its content and to launch the MHz On Demand channel as the first distribution point within this strategy."

Cypress also developed MHz Networks' e-commerce backend system, which is linked to Roku through a single user account, allowing viewers to customize their subscriptions to various MHz On Demand products. At the same time, this infrastructure supports other parts of the MHz digital portfolio such as the online retail shop, a new digital video player, future subscriptions to mobile, and other emerging, on-the-go technologies. In addition, Cypress led the development of mhznetworks.org, mhzworldview.tv, and shortie.org.

About MHz
MHz Networks is an independent, non-commercial television broadcaster delivering international educational and arts programming and providing diverse cultural perspectives for a globally-minded audience.

MHz Worldview, MHz Networks' flagship channel, brings programming to globally-minded audiences in the US though affiliates, including cable, satellite and online. Serving the Washington, DC area's 4.9 million residents with ten local broadcast channels, MHz Networks features programs from around the world on-air in more than 20 different languages.
A division of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation headquartered in Richmond, VA, MHz Networks is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. MHz has studio facilities in Falls Church, VA and at Washington, DC's Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

About Cypress
Since 2001, Cypress has provided strategy and user experience consulting plus interactive web development services to a national customer base. Comprised of a team of industry veterans, Cypress works with customers to strategically apply technology to solve business problems and extend business reach. Cypress' Business Consulting, Technology and Creative practices enable it to deliver holistic solutions to customers including Microsoft, Starbucks, CBS, Comcast, Fox Sports Northwest, Time Warner Cable, Sony, as well as interactive media for professional sports organizations. Sports customers include Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Women's Professional Soccer, CBS College Sports, and the USC Trojans. For more information, please visit www.cypressconsulting.net.

Media Contacts:
Jennifer K. Ritchie
Revolution PR for Cypress
206-932-2454
jennifer@revolutionpr.com

Stephanie Misar
MHz Networks
703-770-7100

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Jennifer Ritchie
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