Tri-Vision International Ltd. - Sharp Concludes
Licensing Agreement for Tri-Vision's Unique,
Flexible V-gis V-chip Technology
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 1999--Tri-Vision International Ltd./Ltee,
together with Nichimen Corporation of Japan, announced today that Sharp Corporation of Japan has executed the final
documents to license Tri-Vision's patented, flexible V-gis(TM) v-chip technology for use in its new televisions. Inclusion of
Tri-Vision's unique v-chip technology will allow Sharp to meet the U.S. legislated requirement for ''v-chip'' blocking
capabilities in its new televisions starting this year. Sharp manufactured over 8 million televisions for global markets last year.
According to Tri-Vision President and CEO, Najmul Siddiqui, ''The licensing by Sharp represents a significant step forward in
establishing Tri-Vision's V-gis(TM) technology as the industry standard for flexible v-chip technology in new televisions around
the globe. The agreement will also be supportive to other licensing discussions that Tri-Vision and Nichimen Corporation
continue with other major TV manufacturers in North America, Japan, Asia and Europe.''
''This is a momentous occasion for our team, including Tim Collings and many others, who have dedicated countless hours to
bring this important technology to families in North America and around the world,'' Siddiqui added. ''Sharp's reputation as an
innovator adds further credibility to Tri-Vision's v-chip technology as it becomes the standard for Sharp's export television
products.''
The V-gis(TM) v-chip technology provides a means of controlling the quality and content of television programming entering
the home by blocking or selecting television programs based on content. This means that television shows can be selected
based on prescribed ratings as well as varying levels of violence, sex, language and dialogue.
''Tri-Vision's V-gis(TM) v-chip technology is the only v-chip technology available to TV manufacturers that is able to
automatically reconfigure in the field,'' stated V-gis(TM) v-chip technology Inventor and Tri-Vision Director, Tim Collings.
''This unique feature will provide parents and legislators with the peace of mind that any changes to the U.S. TV ratings
systems will not render new TVs obsolete. Tri-Vision's v-chip technology has been tested extensively and has received an
extremely high approval rating from parents who found the technology helpful and easy to use.''
Tri-Vision is a leader in the development and marketing of v-chip technology. The Company's efforts have been praised by
world leaders; Tri-Vision executives have been guests at the White House and two separate G7 Summit conferences in
Brussels, Belgium, where Tim Collings, inventor of the v-chip and Tri-Vision Director, spoke as an expert on the technology
and its potential uses.
In accordance with the U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Federal Communications Commission has mandated that
from January 1, 2000 all televisions sold in the U.S., with a picture screen 13 inches or greater, must be equipped with
''v-chip'' blocking capability. Between July 1, 1999 and December 1, 1999, an average of 50% of new TVs available for sale
must provide ''v-chip'' blocking. Tri-Vision's V-gis(TM) v-chip technology meets the U.S. legislated requirement.
Tri-Vision International Ltd./Ltee is a public company founded in 1986 and trades on Canada's Toronto Stock Exchange under
the symbol TVL. Tri-Vision Electronics Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tri-Vision International Ltd./Ltee, holds the
exclusive global rights to the unique, patented v-chip technology developed by award-winning Canadian inventor, Tim Collings.
For investor or media information visit the Company Website at www.tri-vision.ca or via e-mail to tri-vision@tri-vision.ca or
call Century Communications Corporation at (888) 298-8551 (toll free).
The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not approve or disapprove of the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Contact:
Century Communications Corporation
888/298-8551 |
