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(COMTEX) Diamond Multimedia Announces the SupraSonic II Modem; Breakt
Diamond Multimedia Announces the SupraSonic II Modem; Breakthrough Technology
Provides the Fastest Analog Internet Connection Available
VANCOUVER, WASH. (Nov. 10) BUSINESS WIRE -Nov. 10, 1997--Diamond
Multimedia Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:DIMD), a leader in the Internet
multimedia market, Monday announced the SupraSonic II dual-line modem,
featuring the company's new Shotgun technology, which utilizes two
ordinary phone lines to double the transmit and receive speeds of a
single-line modem.
With plans to ship its SupraSonic II in the first quarter of 1998,
Diamond Multimedia intends to be one of the first to market an analog
modem with the ability to receive data at speeds up to 112 kilobits per
second (Kbps).
The SupraSonic II modem incorporates Diamond Multimedia's new Shotgun
technology developed by the company's award-winning modem engineering
team. Shotgun bonds two phone lines, seamlessly increasing the
bandwidth potential of a modem's transmission speed. The new technology
utilizes Ascend Communications' Multichannel Plus Protocol (MP+), which
has been included in its product line since 1993 and is widely
available via Ascend's large installed base of MAX WAN access switches.
With the increase in speed performance, Diamond Multimedia is targeting
consumer and professional Internet users, as well as small office/home
office (SOHO) users, with access to multiple telephone lines. At this
time, more than 25 million U.S. households have two or more phone
lines, a trend industry researchers attribute primarily to the growing
Internet phenomenon. The number of homes with multiple lines is
expected to reach 30 million by 2000, according to New York-based
market research firm IDC/LINK.
"Internet users demand increases in access speed to keep pace with
advances in multimedia Web content," said Jim Cady, vice president and
general manager of Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "The
SupraSonic II answers the need for speed, delivering up to 112K
Internet access on two analog lines." Keep Your Second Line Free
Diamond's Shotgun software features voice priority and
bandwidth-on-demand. Voice priority monitors the second line for
incoming and outgoing calls. When a voice call is detected, the line
is dropped, freeing it for voice use. The data connection on the first
line remains uninterrupted. This allows users to take phone calls at
all times while staying connected to the Internet.
"It's likely that the two lines per household will have separate
functions -- one for family, one for work," said Cady. "Voice priority
maximizes Internet access speeds without compromising voice calls."
Bandwidth-on-demand monitors Internet traffic and connects and
disconnects the second phone line, depending on the amount of data sent
or received.
"The bandwidth-on-demand feature makes this usable by the consumer
market, as well as by the small office," said Lisa Pelgrim, senior
analyst at Dataquest. "It allows users to make use of their idle
analog lines, without giving up phone service." Internet Service
Providers
Diamond Multimedia and Ascend Communications intend to launch Internet
Service Provider (ISP) trials for Shotgun technology during the fourth
quarter of 1997. Consumers can visit Diamond's Web site
(www.diamondmm.com) for the latest information and a list of ISPs
supporting Shotgun technology. Free Software Upgrade with SupraExpress
56K Modems
Diamond Multimedia intends to begin bundling Shotgun software with new
SupraExpress 56 modems during the first quarter of 1998 (which may
allow the SupraExpress 56 to be connected at the same time as another
modem on the same PC for additional bandwidth on two analog phone
lines). The company plans to provide existing SupraExpress 56
customers with a free Shotgun software upgrade via Diamond's Web site,
when available. Pricing and Availability
Diamond Multimedia intends to ship the SupraSonic II in Nort
+852-2375-9021 Support information line for communications:
800/774-4965 Product support (voice), multimedia: 408/325-7100;
communications: 541/967-2450; Europe (Germany) +49-8151-266-330;
Europe (UK) +44-1189-444444; ISDN support center 408/325-7110; Fire
GL support center 408/325-7120; TDD/TTY support 541/967-2451 Product
support (fax), multimedia: 408/325-7171; communications: 541/967-2401;
Europe (Germany) +49-8151-266-331; Europe (UK): +44-1189-444445;
800/468-5846; communications: 800/727-8772 Investor relations:
408/325-7476; 888/474-3463 (U.S. and Canada) 24-Hour fax-on-demand
service, all products: 800/380-0030 FTP sites: ftp.diamondmm.com; or
Supra: ftp.supra.com BBS: 541/967-2444 (to 33.6 Kbps) or 408/383-0551
(ISDN); Europe (Germany) BBS at +49-8151-266333 (to 28.8 Kbps) or
+49-8151-266334 (ISDN); Europe (UK) at +44-1189-444415 (to 33.6 Kbps)
NOTE: SupraSonic, Shotgun, Monster 3D and Supra are either trademarks
or registered trademarks of Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. Viper is
a Registered Trademark of Directed Electronics Inc., Used under
License. All other trademarks referenced are the service mark,
trademark or registered trademark of their respective manufacturers.
This announcement relates to products whose launch are in the United
States of America. The product name contents, prices and availability
may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and
requirements.
Though this modem is capable of 112 Kbps download performance, line
impairments, public telephone infrastructure and other external
technological factors currently prevent the maximum 112 Kbps
connections.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this news release, such as statements relating to the
company's ability to successfully exploit technological and market
developments, the timing and success of new product introductions by
the company and its competitors, and the company's ability to invest in
new technologies and to enhance its existing systems are
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties,
including the impact of competitive products and pricing and
alternative technological advances, the timely and successful
development and market acceptance of new products and upgrades to
existing products, and other risks as detailed from time to time in
Diamond Multimedia's Securities and Exchange Commission filings,
including its most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q.
-0- RJ/la* LF/la MEM/la
CONTACT: Faiola Davis Public Relations
Norma Velvikis or Sara Faiola, 213/933-4959
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