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Diamond Multimedia Ships 'HomeFree Wireless' Networking Solution
VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--
Sub $200 Home Networking Product Links Two Computers for Shared
Internet Access, Printing and Networked Gaming
Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:DIMD), a leader in interactive multimedia and PC entertainment, has begun shipping the HomeFree(tm) Wireless networking solution to its North American sales channel.
With prices starting at less than $200 for two computers, the Diamond HomeFree Wireless product includes everything required for setting up and maintaining a local area network (LAN) in the home. The product is easy to use and offers consumers the full benefit of wireless technology for shared Internet access, printing and networked gaming.
By the year 2000, there will be more than 17 million multiple-PC homes in the United States, according to Access Media International (AMI-USA). Additionally, AMI-USA states that at its current annual growth rate of 20 percent, the multiple-PC homes far outpace the growth of first time PC owning households, which are rising at 4 percent per year.
"The explosive growth trend of multiple-PC homes provides an excellent market opportunity for Diamond's line of 'HomeFree' networking products," said Jim Cady, vice president and general manager of Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division.
"The Diamond HomeFree Wireless solution avoids the complexities of installing dedicated wiring in the home. Since HomeFree Wireless works without cables, it provides consumers with a flexible, convenient and cost-effective solution."
Adds New Dimensions to Home Computing
The Diamond HomeFree Wireless product includes Internet-sharing software, at no additional charge, that enables consumers to share an Internet connection by using a single phone line and ISP (Internet Service Provider) account.
"Our research indicates that the ability for multiple users to share Internet access is the driving force behind the adoption of computer networks in the home," said Michael Gartenberg, research director, GartnerGroup.
In addition to shared Internet access, the Diamond HomeFree Wireless product is ideal for various home office and entertainment applications. The product can be used to transfer files and share various peripheral devices, including printers, modems and scanners.
With HomeFree Wireless, consumers can also compete head-to-head in networked multi-player games. The Diamond HomeFree Wireless product provides a "flexible" network by enabling both desktop and notebook computers to be positioned both inside and outside the home at a range of up to 150 feet.
HomeFree Wireless Technology and System Requirements
The Diamond HomeFree Wireless product uses radio wave technology called HomeCast(tm) Open Protocol (HOP) from Alation Systems. By using HOP technology, the HomeFree Wireless product can pass connections through walls, floors and ceilings. Operating at 2.4Ghz, the HomeFree Wireless delivers fast throughput speeds of up to 1 Mbps.
In order to minimize interference and maintain a level of security, the product utilizes multiple channels and spread-spectrum frequency hopping. As an additional measure of protection, the HomeFree Wireless product features firewall support.
"Alation is extremely pleased to have HOP technology delivered inside Diamond Multimedia's HomeFree Wireless solution," said Geoff Zawolkow, CEO of Alation Systems. "Diamond Multimedia understands how to promote and sell consumer communications products based on advanced technologies and they are an ideal partner for entering the home networking market."
HomeFree Wireless uses standard Windows network settings and does not require the knowledge of any networking protocols. The product operates its file sharing capabilities via the networking software included in Windows 95/98 PC systems.
System requirements include an IBM compatible computer (486 or higher) operating with Windows 95 or Windows 98, one free ISA or PCI slot per desktop PC (or PC card slot for notebooks), a CD-ROM drive and 10 MB of free hard drive space.
Product Configurations and Pricing
The Diamond HomeFree Wireless product is being offered in the versions listed below.
Product Purpose Contents Price (ERP)Desktop Pac Connects two One ISA card; $199.95 desktop computers one PCI cardCombo Pac Connects a desktop One ISA card; $229.95 and notebook one PC card computer together If consumers are interested in networking more than twocomputers, the single-node cards listed below can be purchased fromDiamond Multimedia's On-Line store athttp://www.diamondmm.com/where-to-buy/online-store.Product Price(a)ISA card $99.95 per nodePCI card $99.95 per nodePC card $129.95 per node(a) Price does not include a nominal shipping and handling charge.
Diamond Multimedia's Home Networking Business Unit
The Diamond HomeFree Wireless solution is the first product launched by the Home Networking Business Unit of Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. Additional home networking products are planned for introduction in the future.
For online information about the HomeFree brand, consumers can visit diamondmm.com. Diamond Multimedia is a member of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group (HRFWG).
About Alation Systems
Alation Systems, Inc. is a privately held company company formed to turn the vision of a networked home into reality. Through the company's open wireless networking technology, the HomeCast(tm) Open Protocol (HOP(tm)), and various HOP-powered products designed to meet real world consumer information needs, Alation is helping consumers realize the future of the networked home.
Alation can be found on the Web at www.alation.com.
About Diamond Multimedia
Diamond Multimedia is driving the interactive multimedia market by providing advanced solutions for home, business and professional desktop computer users, enabling them to create, access and experience compelling new media content from their desktops and through the Internet. Diamond accelerates multimedia from the Internet to the user with products that include the Stealth and Viper(R) series of media accelerators, the Monster series of entertainment 3D and sound accelerators, the Fire series of professional 3D accelerators, the Micronics series of system boards, the Supra(R) series of modems, and the HomeFree line of home networking products. Diamond's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol DIMD, and its Web site address is www.diamondmm.com.
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Diamond Multimedia Announces Plans to Expand Its HomeFree Brand
of Home PC Networking Products With Phoneline-Based Solution
VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:DIMD), a leader in interactive multimedia and PC entertainment, today announced plans to expand its HomeFree(TM) brand of home networking products with a phoneline-based solution.
The new solution will utilize AMD's PCnet-Home, the first complete single-chip home networking controller, and is expected to ship in the first quarter of 1999. Phoneline networking technology enables consumers to link multiple PCs over standard telephone wiring. The decision to offer consumers a choice among HomeFree networking products -- both wireless and wireline -- underscores Diamond Multimedia's commitment to the home networking market.
"The PCnet-Home controller from AMD offers a balanced combination of hardware and software functionality," said Jim Cady, vice president and general manager of Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "This single-chip controller provides the opportunity for us to add an affordable, phoneline-based solution to our HomeFree line of home networking products. We are extending our HomeFree product line beyond wireless technology so that consumers can select the home networking solution that best fits their needs."
"Diamond Multimedia has demonstrated expertise in delivering high-performance consumer communications products," said Laila Razouk, vice president of AMD's network products division. "The PCnet-Home controller is an excellent foundation for Diamond Multimedia's upcoming phoneline-based product, and includes all of the hardware and software required to enable a cost-effective home networking solution based on the HomePNA technology specification."
The Home Networking Phenomenon
Access Media International (AMI-USA) states that home networking represents the next major inflexion point in consumer computing much the same way multimedia was five years ago. According to a recent Business Week article dated October 19, money is the motivating factor that will prompt consumers to connect their home PCs and other information appliances. The article states, "With a home network, people with more than one PC won't need more than a single printer, modem or Internet connection. Instead, PCs and other gizmos will connect to each other over a network, sharing peripherals and a single Net account. That could save hundreds of dollars in a multi-PC home."
HomeFree Brand of Home Networking Products
Phoneline-based products run over existing in-home telephone wires and do not require any "new" cabling. The upcoming phoneline-based solution will be based upon the widely endorsed specification of the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA), which stems from Tut System's HomeRun technology. The product will be the newest addition to Diamond Multimedia's HomeFree brand of home networking products.
Today in a separate press release, the company announced that it has begun shipments of the "HomeFree Wireless" product. This product is based on radio wave technology and does not require the use of any wires. Diamond Multimedia is a home networking provider that intends to offer consumers a choice among affordable, easy-to-use solutions based on multiple types of networking technologies.
For online information about the HomeFree brand, consumers can visit diamondmm.com. Diamond Multimedia is a member of both the Home Radio Frequency Working Group (HRFWG) and the HomePNA.
About the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance
The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance is an incorporated, non-profit association of industry-leading companies working together to help ensure adoption of a single, unified phoneline networking industry standard and rapidly bring to market a range of interoperable home networking solutions
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