Grundig & TV/COM settops used for BSkyB.................
TV/COM Forms Alliance With Grundig in BSkyB Deal; Set-Top Box
Order Highlights Growing Commitment to Digital Satellite TV
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 1998--TV/COM International, Inc., a leading provider of global digital
communications solutions for the direct-to-home, cable, and terrestrial markets, announced that it is providing the design for
the receivers in the Grundig-manufactured set-top boxes (STBs) that receive BSkyB's new-generation digital services.
The set-top boxes, designed by TV/COM and manufactured and branded by Grundig, feature Open TV interactive software
and a cash card slot for electronic commerce. The TV/COM set-tops incorporate the NDS VideoGuard Conditional Access
Control System (CAS). The CAS authorizes commercial and consumer subscriber access and controls overall system
security.
This announcement pulls together three key industry players: BSkyB as the UK's leading satellite broadcaster, Grundig as a
major manufacturer of satellite receivers, and TV/COM (a subsidiary of Hyundai Electronics) as a world leader in the design
of digital consumer set-tops and installation of open-architecture digital networks. TV/COM will design and develop the
advanced digital receivers that will give BSkyB its market edge. These STBs will give BSkyB viewers the highest quality TV
images, from the most advanced digital set-top boxes on the market.
Demand for BSkyB's new service is expected to be high, and all three companies have made sizable investments to ensure the
successful UK introduction of digital satellite broadcasting. Grundig UK has been involved in satellite television since its
commercial European launch in 1988, and has established itself as a leading brand name in the UK. Last year, Grundig and
TV/COM formed a strategic alliance in Digital STB design, manufacture, marketing and sales with the express intention of
making advanced digital technology available to both broadcasters, such as BSkyB, and the many UK retailers selling Grundig
receivers.
Grundig UK's Chairman Koen van Driel commented, "We are delighted to be associated with this project and to be working
with TV/COM because of the company's digital technology expertise. BSkyB have proven themselves over the years to be an
outstanding broadcasting company and their reputation can only be further enhanced with the launch of digital television."
Jeff Wallin, president and CEO of TV/COM, added, "We are very pleased to be chosen by BSkyB to design and develop
this advanced digital satellite set-top box. Our strong partnership with Grundig will ensure that BSkyB customers receive the
highest quality, most fully featured digital set-top boxes on the market."
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