M&M -- Matsushita and Microsoft...............
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and Microsoft Agree to Combine
Efforts On Digital Audio, Video and PC Technologies as Part of Expanded
Relationship
First Steps Include Collaboration on Digital Audio-Visual Technologies For Next-Generation PCs, WebTV Terminals and
Digital Cable Advanced Set-Top Boxes
REDMOND, Wash., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Matsushita) (NYSE: MC) and
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their
long-standing relationship. The companies share a desire to accelerate the convergence of digital audio-visual technology and
personal computer technology and have agreed to focus on digital convergence projects, combining Matsushita's technology
and experience in audio-visual (AV) products with Microsoft's complementary technology and experience in computer
software products.
Joint efforts by the companies will focus on development of digital television technologies for next-generation PCs, including
support for the reception and display of digital television broadcast signals and associated interactive programs. In addition,
Matsushita plans to deploy analog WebTV(R) terminals in Japan targeted at the 1998 winter selling season, and Matsushita
and Microsoft will collaborate on the development of digital cable advanced set-top boxes (ASTBs) for public network and
retail customers. To simplify ongoing collaboration, both companies will create a corporate licensing policy that provides
Matsushita with the option to use the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating system in Matsushita's future products,
including AV and personal computer devices.
"Matsushita has led the consumer electronics industry with advanced technologies such as optical disc and digital video
recording," said Yoichi Morishita, president and CEO of Matsushita. "The introduction of DVD systems and DV-format
camcorders is already enhancing consumer benefits in this digital age. Our long-standing commitment to respond to consumers'
demand for ease of use and reliability will help the convergence of consumer and PC platforms for the home market. The
strategic partnership with Microsoft is a step toward making such a path more evident and will be welcomed by consumers."
"Microsoft's working with Matsushita over the coming years will provide tremendous opportunities for consumers to benefit
from the results of innovative, collaborative thinking," said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. "The PC and consumer
electronics industries each have a wealth of expertise that, when brought together, will result in more intelligent, integrated and
easy-to-use consumer devices. Together we will work to move these industries forward."
The basic agreement on joint development efforts covers the following areas:
* Develop the next generation of PC technology for receiving, decoding, processing and displaying digital television broadcast
signals and associated features.
* Planned launch of WebTV terminals in Japan targeted at the 1998 winter selling season and collaboration on the
development of digital cable advanced set-top boxes.
* Porting Windows CE to adapted versions of Matsushita's AM33 microprocessor chip series, for use in upcoming digital AV
equipment and the sale of these microprocessors by Matsushita/Panasonic throughout the world.
* Creation of a corporate licensing policy that will offer Matsushita the option to use Windows CE in multiple product
categories in AV and computer products.
About Matsushita
Best known for its Panasonic brand products, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. is one of the world's largest
manufacturers of CD-ROM drives, DVD drives and other digital electronics products for the home and office. The company's
principal U.S. subsidiary, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, has been a leader in the development of high-definition
and digital television. For more information on Matsushita or Panasonic, visit the company's Web site at
panasonic.com.
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