John,
As a matter of interest----
the following is from the Curtis Mathes website:
The following are some of the more frequently asked questions of our director of Investor Relations. This site will be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect the needs of our shareholders.
What is uniViewT?
Can I "surf" the internet with uniViewT?
When is the uniViewT product going to be released?
Have you signed up any distributors for the product?
How will I be able to dial-in to the Curtis Mathes XpresswayT?
Other manufacturers advertise an optional keyboard available for around seventy dollars. Is there such a keyboard for the uniViewT?
Why was the introduction of the product delayed from October 1996?
How far along in production was uniViewT when this decision was made?
What is uniViewT?
uniViewT is a new dimension in education and entertainment that offers the widest selection of interactive-television possibilities imaginable.
Unlike other internet access boxes, uniViewT offers a more complete model for the television viewer.
In addition to Internet access uniViewT offers telephony, easy VCR recording, and on-screen listings of all TV programs with customized blocking capability that allows parental control and built-in program search function that allows the user to search by actor, character, rating, and more!
uniViewT offers enormous flexibility as an advanced user friendly communications tool. It includes a built-in speaker phone that allows you to answer your phone calls without ever leaving the comfort of your easy chair! On-screen caller ID (where available) allows for interruption free viewing.
By using the on-screen directory, the uniViewT customer can send or receive e-mail and faxes or simply make a telephone call. The uniViewT box is complemented by a unique alpha numeric remote transmitter that is easy to use and avoids the cumbersome on screen keyboard. A keyboard can be added for the more proficient user.
Shopping on the web is easier than ever because the uniViewT box has a built-in credit card reader that allows the user to simply swipe the card through the card reader to make purchases on the web!
Using uniViewT's unique overlay technology, the user can operate on-screen functions while still viewing a TV program.
Can I "surf" the internet with uniViewT?
Not only does the uniViewT allow you to "surf" the web like other products, it provides enhanced capabilities with the Curtis Mathes XpresswayT, an exciting source for entertainment, sports, business, and news.
Features and Benefits:
Affordable - uniViewT, both hardware and services are priced to be competitive with lesser featured products.
User Friendly - uniViewT is both simple to install and easy to use.
The basic setup consists of inserting a telephone line and attaching a cable connection. uniViewT allows people to get more enjoyment from their television and the internet without having to be computer literate.
Credibility - Curtis Mathes has strong brand recognition. Consumers feel that Curtis Mathes is a step up, high quality, premium manufacturer.
Profitability - One of the key benefits of selling the Curtis Mathes brand is our commitment to intelligent distribution that will maintain brand integrity.
Flexibility - The uniViewT box can be used to control both your cable box and your VCR. In addition it has the connectivity that allows you to add a variety of peripheral products such as a printer, etc.
When is the uniViewT product going to be released?
Production of the uniViewT set-top boxes has begun and they should start being released to retailers in April, 1997.
Have you signed up any distributors for the product?
We are currently working on methods of presentation and sales training with major consumer electronics retailers. However, for confidentiality reasons, we cannot disclose who these retailers are until we actually distribute or begin distributing products.
How will I be able to dial-in to the Curtis Mathes XpresswayT?
Curtis Mathes has its own access network system which gives local access numbers in the major metropolitan areas. Other areas are covered by a combination of metro (multiple area code) numbers, leased lines, and 800 numbers. As we expand, the use of 800 numbers will diminish and our own access points will replace other methods of connection.
Other manufacturers advertise an optional keyboard available for around seventy dollars. Is there such a keyboard for the uniViewT?
Most IR(infra-red) keyboards manufactured by others will operate uniViewT. Additionally, Curtis Mathes offers an RF(radio frequency) keyboard to allow our users more efficient use of the uniViewT product, and to better enjoy the uniViewT experience. A firm price for the keyboard has not been set at this time.
Why was the introduction of the product delayed from October 1996?
Our original production plans were for uniViewT to be released in the fall of 1996. As the target date approached, it became more apparent that the Internet support services available would not support the total functionality of the product. Therefore, it was decided that Curtis Mathes would design and implement these services internally using its own engineering staff, a process which is presently underway. At the same time, we decided to utilize Acorn's Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) microprocessor, which we felt would further enhance the customer's uniViewT experience. It was felt that these actions were in the best interest of our shareholders to ensure that uniViewT would be a quality, superior product.
How far along in production was uniViewT when this decision was made?
The decision to release uniViewT in 1997 was made prior to beginning the first production run. No uniViewT units were produced in 1996.
Dan Byrne |
