( BW)(COMSTREAM/US-ROBOTICS)(SPZ.) ComStream Hi-Media and U.S.
Robotics enter alliance for cable modems
Business Editors and High-Tech Writers
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 1997-- ComStream's Hi-Media
Division, a leading integrated circuit (IC) provider for the
broadband digital communications market, and U.S. Robotics Corp.
announced an alliance whereby Hi-Media will supply integrated
circuits and other components to U.S. Robotics for use in U.S.
Robotics' new cable access system and other broadband applications.
In September 1994, Hi-Media introduced the world's first
integrated QAM demodulator with forward error correction (FEC)
(compliant with the North America ITU standard) and is a major
supplier of QAM products for digital cable and wireless cable
applications. U.S. Robotics' new telco-return cable access system,
which uses ComStream's QAM IC, is being demonstrated at the National
Cable Television Association Cable '97 trade show in New Orleans,
March 16-19.
"Hi-Media is extremely excited about working with U.S. Robotics
in the broadband modem area," commented Stephen Blake, general
manager of Hi-Media.
"U.S. Robotics' entry into the cable modem arena and the recent
emergence of a common cable modem standard means significant volume
may finally emerge in this industry later this year," added Greg
Mauro, director of new business development for Hi- Media. "U.S.
Robotics' established brand and distribution channels will allow
these new products to be pushed at retail for use in both existing
and upgraded cable systems -- this should really drive large
volumes."
"Hi-Media's track record in DBS (direct broadcast satellite) and
MMDS (multichannel multipoint distribution system) demonstrates that
they can invent enabling transmission technology and cost-reduce it
quickly," commented Semir Sirazi, vice president/general manager of
U.S. Robotics' Cable Access Business Unit. "This will help U.S.
Robotics to bring cable modem price points down to levels that will
increasingly enable widespread consumer adoption."
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products
and systems that provide access to information. The company designs,
manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, LAN
switching equipment, desktop/mobile client products and modems,
telephony products and handheld organizers.
U.S. Robotics' products connect computers and other equipment
over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users
to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information.
Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell
operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of
other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The
company's fiscal 1996 sales were $1.98 billion.
Based in San Diego, ComStream's Hi-Media Division is a leading
systems-driven IC developer. Hi-Media's digital transmission ICs are
in over half the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) set-top boxes
shipped to date in the United States.
With over three million DBS ICs delivered, Hi-Media is also the
dominant supplier for transmission components for the digital video
initiatives of the telecommunications industry. As a
solutions-focused business, Hi-Media offers market-leading ICs
together with production-ready reference designs, network interface
modules (NIMs), production tools and test equipment.
ComStream is also a leader in VSATs, earth stations, and modems
for private networks and governments with offices in the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, The People's Republic of
China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. ComStream is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Spar Aerospace Limited.
Spar, a leading Canadian advanced technology company, is in the
communications, space, aviation and defense, and software industries.
Operations are located in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim,
and nearly 70 percent of revenues are derived outside Canada. It is
listed on the Toronto and Montreal stock exchanges. Stock symbol:
SPZ. Web site address: spar.ca |
