MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 1996--DiviCom Inc., one of the world's
leading providers of digital video networking solutions, announced that it has signed a
technology agreement with set-top manufacturer Zenith Electronics Corporation to
support the design of the digital set-top boxes for the Americast programming venture.
The DiviCom-Zenith design will create a set-top box capable of interfacing to four
different networks -- hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC), switched digital video (SDV), direct
broadcast satellite (DBS), and multi-channel, multi-point distribution systems (MMDS).
The ability to accommodate these four network configurations through the use of
DAVIC A0 compliant network interface modules (NIMs) is an industry breakthrough in
set-top box design.
The new set-top design leverages DiviCom's experience in developing and servicing
complete, end-to-end, digital video networking solutions. This experience has enabled
the company to create standards-compliant, feature-rich designs for set-top box
manufacturers.
"Americast is dedicated to delivering the next generation of in-home entertainment,"
said Stephen A. Weiswasser, chief executive officer of Americast. "We actively
sought out the best and the brightest in digital technology. We are impressed with
DiviCom's technology expertise and track record of success, and we are delighted to
see it partner with Zenith to provide us with the set-top boxes that we need to achieve
our vision."
William G. Luehrs, president of the Zenith Networks Systems Division, said,
"DiviCom's set-top box expertise -- particularly its innovative software and chip
integration capability -- will enable us to provide Americast a single, cost-effective
solution that meets its requirements. With DiviCom's help, we are building what will be
the world's most advanced and flexible set-top box."
"Advanced digital video delivery systems and services are difficult to build and
implement," added Nolan Daines, DiviCom's president and CEO. "Our deal with
Zenith is an excellent example of how our end-to-end expertise can minimize the
complexity and reduce the costs associated with implementing such systems. By
focusing on our respective areas of expertise, we can bring a complete solution to the
market in a fraction of the time any one of us could have done it by ourselves."
Today's announcement follows Americast's choice in late August of Zenith as its
digital set-top box provider. As a result of that deal, worth more than $1 billion, Zenith
is to supply at least 3 million digital set-tops to subsidiaries of Ameritech Corporation,
BellSouth Corporation, GTE Corporation, SBC Communications and Southern New
England Telecommunications Corporation for the next generation of home
entertainment services. The set-top boxes will use the DiviCom design for the
Americast partners and their americast home entertainment service, which also is
supported by The Walt Disney Company. Advanced Digital Set-Top Design
DiviCom's set-top platform enables Zenith to rapidly enter the market with
high-performance, cost-effective products. Set-tops based on the design can support
a variety of host CPUs and bring forth a new level of graphics and networking features.
Unique to DiviCom's set-top box design is new silicon that has been optimized for
feature-rich applications.
DiviCom's complete design includes specifications and software for CPU and
memory, graphics, video decoding, conditional access options, audio decoding,
video/audio outputs and features, peripherals, network interface modules,
development systems options, and network and transport. Other options include a
universal remote control unit and IR Blaster. DiviCom Inc.
DiviCom develops and integrates products and systems that make digital video
networking possible. Products include audio/video encoding and decoding systems,
and integration consulting and implementation services. Based on the MPEG-2, DVB
and DAVIC international standards, DiviCom's products enable digital video
broadcasting over a variety of networks including satellite, wireless, fiber, cable, and
twisted pair wiring.
DiviCom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:
CUBE), and both companies are based in Milpitas, Calif. C-Cube designs and
markets digital video solutions for the communications, consumer and computer
markets.
DiviCom can be reached by phone at +1-408-944-6700, by fax at +1-408-944-6705,
or via the World Wide Web at divi.com. Zenith Electronics Corporation
Zenith Electronics Corporation, based in Glenview, Ill., is a long-time leader in
electronics. Zenith's core business -- Consumer Electronics and Network Systems --
is at the center of the company's digital strategy, which includes interactive television,
digital video disc (DVD) players, Internet TVs, digital and wireless cable, cable
modem and HDTV systems. (http://www.zenith.com) Americast
Americast is a consortium of Ameritech Corporation, BellSouth Corporation, GTE
Corporation, SBC Communications, Southern New England Telecommunications
Corporation and the Walt Disney Company, created to develop and market the next
generation in home entertainment. The americast service is currently being introduced
into select markets across the United States. In addition to providing traditional
entertainment services, Americast will offer innovative programming and develop such
features as a proprietary program navigator, video-on-demand, home shopping and a
variety of other interactive services.
CONTACT: DiviCom Inc.
Lisa Croel, 408/944-6530
lcroel@divi.com
or
Zenith Electronics Corporation
John Taylor, 847/391-8181
john.taylor@zenith.com
or
C-Cube Microsystems Inc.
Mary Sharpless-Giani, 408/944-8628
mgiani@c-cube.com
or
Americast
Robert Rene, 310/234-1412 |
