McObject's eXtremeDB Fusion Database Chosen for DIRECTV Set-Top Boxes


ISSAQUAH, WA--(Marketwire - May 20, 2008) - McObject® announced that DIRECTV, the leading U.S. satellite television service provider, will integrate the eXtremeDB™ Fusion embedded database system into its set-top box software, leveraging eXtremeDB Fusion's hybrid in-memory/on-disk data storage to significantly reduce development time across a range of hard disk-based and disk-less boxes, and to improve processor utilization.

eXtremeDB Fusion will lend its strengths of high performance and efficient, small footprint data management. The set-top box software stores programming information, including program descriptions, schedules, ratings, user configuration information such as favorite channel lists, and multimedia content.

As a hybrid embedded database, eXtremeDB Fusion combines on-disk and all-in-memory record storage. A simple schema notation controls which records are to be saved to disk, and which are to be managed entirely in memory, without the I/O, caching and other processes inherent in disk storage.

This capability enables DIRECTV to develop a unified software platform and deploy it across a product line containing some set-top boxes with hard disks -- to support digital video recording (DVR) -- and others without hard disks.

"In consumer electronics, it is common for a manufacturer to develop one version of a product that incorporates disk storage, and another version that stores data in memory," Steve Graves, McObject CEO and co-founder, said. "In this situation, eXtremeDB Fusion eliminates the need to use two different database systems, thereby avoiding significant coding, testing and QA tasks. In this sense, eXtremeDB Fusion's combined in-memory, on-disk storage provides the best of both worlds," he said.

Graves cited eXtremeDB Fusion's caching policy -- the application logic that determines which database resources should be held in memory, and for how long -- as instrumental in enabling efficient use of the CPU in disk-based smart consumer devices. "Database caching and disk I/O can be a significant drain on the CPU, but eXtremeDB Fusion's efficiency in this area gets the most out of available resources. With McObject's database, CPU cycles can be directed toward CPU-intensive tasks, such as media playing and recording, to produce the best possible multimedia consumer device performance," Graves said.

About McObject

Founded by embedded database and real-time systems experts, McObject offers proven data management technology that makes real-time systems smarter, more reliable and more cost-effective to develop and maintain. McObject counts among its customers industry leaders such as Chrysler, GigaSpaces, Siemens, Phillips, EADS, JVC, Tyco Thermal Controls, F5 Networks, CA, Motorola and Boeing. McObject, based in Issaquah, WA, is committed to providing innovative technology and first-rate services to customers and partners. The company can be reached at +1-425-888-8505, or visit www.mcobject.com.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTV), the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 17 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with 95 national HD channels -- more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for seven years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

McObject, eXtremeDB and eXtremeDB Fusion are trademarks or registered trademarks of McObject LLC. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Ted Kenney McObject LLC 425-888-8505