Contact Information: Media Contact: Ted Kenney McObject LLC 425-888-8505
McObject's eXtremeDB Fusion Database Chosen for DIRECTV Set-Top Boxes
| Source: McObject LLC
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.