HITACHI TO START INSTALLING MGI SOFTWARE IN PC
MGI Software Corp -
MGI's Pure DIVA software licensed by Hitachi
MGI Software Corp
MGI
Shares issued 32,911,026
1999-11-23 close $13
Wednesday Nov 24 1999
Mr. Anthony DeCristofaro reports
The PC TV convergence will get a kick-start in Japan from one of the world's
largest consumer electronics giants, Hitachi, Ltd. MGI Software has received the
first design win of its Pure DIVA software. MGI Pure DIVA -- which delivers
personal TV capabilities to a PC including the ability to pause live TV broadcasts,
digitally record shows and watch DVD movies -- is now featured on Hitachi's new
Prius DECK 610M that begins selling today in Japan for about 350,000 yen (under
$3,000 (U.S.)).
The Hitachi Prius DECK 610M is a sleek all-in-one computer, which when
combined with MGI Pure DIVA, delivers an unprecedented multimedia and
entertainment PC experience. Powered by an Intel 500-megahertz Pentium III, the
system neatly melds the latest in multimedia technology -- TV tuner, DVD drive,
3-D audio -- behind a distinctive 15-inch flat-panel display. MGI Pure DIVA
controls the PC's entertainment features letting users pause a live TV broadcast,
program and digitally record up to six hours of TV, watch DVD movies and listen to
audio CDs. Pure DIVA automatically reads the ADAMS EPG (electronic
programming guide) data for TV listings, and supports Bitcast, an enhanced
TV-viewing feature, both of which are found within the TV signal in Japan. The
information is displayed on the screen for point-and-click selection.
"The Japanese are one of the most technologically advanced consumers and their
buying habits tend to foreshadow the emergence of consumer electronics trends in
North America," said Anthony DeCristofaro, president and chief executive officer,
MGI Software. "We've seen how digital cameras and digital camcorders became a
standard first in Asia, before making an impact here. Under the leadership of
Hitachi, PCs are now coming with personal TV capabilities in Japan. We expect this
phenomenon to influence North American PC manufacturers."
"The Hitachi Prius DECK 610M with Pure DIVA is a clear example of how
consumer habits and lifestyles are influencing, and in fact changing, the role of PCs
in Japan," said Kazushi Kobayashi, senior engineer, media platform department,
digital media system division, Hitachi, Ltd. "The PC TV convergence is very much
in effect here. PC makers are adding more entertainment-oriented technologies.
The PC is becoming a central facilitator for home theatre and entertainment."
While no specific forecast or research has been done on the size or potential of the
market for personal TV capabilities on a PC, market research firm Cahners In-Stat
Group indicates that, by the end of 2003, 17 million Americans will own a set-top
consumer device, like a VCR, that has an intelligent interface, and an internal hard
drive to digitally record programs. "Pure DIVA on a Pentium III PC with
off-the-shelf peripherals delivers similar capabilities and more on a PC today," said
Michelle Abraham, senior analyst, multimedia, Cahners In-Stat Group. "As PCs
evolve, both in form factor and functionality, and reach even lower price points,
American consumers may look to the PC for their personal TV viewing."
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global
electronics companies, with fiscal 1998 (ended March 31, 1999), consolidated sales
of 7,977 billion yen ($65.9-billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide
range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and
power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit
Hitachi's Web site at www.hitachi.co.jp.
*At an exchange rate of 121 yen to the dollar.
(c) Copyright 1999 Canjex Publishing Ltd. canada-stockwatch.com |
