news: wavx & haup...
(BSNS WIRE) Hauppauge Digital Adds E-commerce Capability to Its Broadcas
Hauppauge Digital Adds E-commerce Capability to Its Broadcast Receiver Boards
Business Editors/High Tech Writers
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 1999--
Enables PC Users To Access And Purchase Software,
Music And Other Forms Of Digital Content
Hauppauge Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAUP), the leading developer and
manufacturer of analog and digital video, TV and data broadcast
receiver products for personal computers, today announced the launch
of a broadcast receiver board incorporating Wave Systems Corp.'s
(NASDAQ: WAVX) Wave Direct secure client-side e-commerce transaction
system.
Hauppauge's existing WinTV boards, compatible with Microsoft
Windows98 and NT, enable personal computers to receive and display up
to 125 cable channels in an adjustable window without affecting other
software programs in use. The new WinTV-Wave model also enables users
to access and purchase software and data products such as video games,
productivity tools, graphics, news, music, and online publications.
Available in CompUSA stores nationwide this week, the new Hauppauge
WinTV-Wave retails for approximately $149.
Wave Direct is compatible with a wide range of content
distribution channels, including the Internet, data broadcasts, CD-ROM
and DVD. In addition to outright purchase, Wave Direct provides for
rent-to-own and pay-per-use transactions, making e-commerce far more
flexible and convenient. Wave Direct's ability to securely meter
client-side e-commerce transactions in amounts down to a fraction of a
cent makes micro-transactions practical for the first time.
Ken Plotkin, Hauppauge Digital's Chief Executive Officer, stated,
"By providing customers with a convenient, inexpensive and secure tool
for accessing and buying a wide range of software and digital content
available on the Internet and through cable broadcasts, Hauppauge is
capitalizing on the burgeoning, and as of yet untapped, market for
micro-transactions through the PC. Our first-to-market position with
this product should enable Hauppauge to benefit from the increased
availability of digital content retailing at costs below the levels
that credit card transactions are cost-effective."
By accessing the Wave Systems' website (www.wave.com), users can
load the WinTV-Wave receiver board with electronic cash using their
credit card. Their client-side Wave Direct account can then be used to
rent or purchase software and digital content directly on their own
PC. The WinTV-Wave ships with a collection of CDs containing games and
productivity software to get the process started.
Steven Sprague, President and COO of Wave Systems Corp. said, "We
are thrilled to be working closely with Hauppauge Digital on this
exciting launch. This partnership exemplifies Wave Systems' commitment
to seeking strategic relationships with companies that provide PC
users with high-quality access to products and services in the online
and broadcast marketplace. We are excited by the opportunities for
this product and for Wave Systems in the digital age."
Ken Aupperle, Hauppauge President, said, "Hauppauge looks forward
to including Wave Systems' e-commerce technology in other products,
such as some future models of our digital television receiver boards.
The WinTV-D product line, which we plan to start shipping later this
year, enables desktop computers to display digital television
broadcasts on PC screens at a fraction of the cost of dedicated DTV
receivers."
Aupperle continued, "We're confident that Hauppauge is uniquely
positioned to benefit from the continued growth of analog TV for the
personal computer, as well as from the FCC-mandated transition to
digital TV. Going forward, we will continue to seek strategic
relationships with innovative technology companies across a wide range
of business sectors."
Hauppauge Digital, Inc.
Hauppauge Digital, Inc. is the leading developer and manufacturer
of analog and digital video, TV and data broadcast receiver products
for personal computers. Through its Hauppauge Computer Works, Inc.
subsidiary, the Company designs and manufactures analog and digital
video boards for TV-in-a-window, digital video editing and video
conferencing. The Company is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York,
with sales offices in Germany, London, Paris, The Netherlands, Sweden,
Italy, Singapore and California. The Company's Internet web site can
be found at hauppauge.com.
Wave Systems Corporation
Founded in 1988, the mission of Wave Systems Corporation is to
create the world's best technologies to secure and sell digital
information. Wave's core EMBASSY technology is an inexpensive,
proprietary hardware and software-based device that enables secure
transaction processing and distributed information metering in users'
PCs. Embedded in PC hardware and peripherals, set top boxes and other
devices, EMBASSY is the foundation for client-based security
applications and a new distribution and purchasing model for content
and services. This low-cost, secure "system within a system" will
enable the personal computer to assume an important new role in the
evolving digital economy. By moving secure transactions to the
desktop, Wave provides intrinsic value to the electronic commerce
process, benefiting PC users, application developers, and hardware
manufacturers. For more information, visit Wave's corporate web site
at wave.com.
The forward looking statements included in this news release are
based on management's current expectations. In light of the
assumptions and uncertainties inherent in forward looking information,
the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a
representation by the Company or any other person that the plans of
the Company will be realized or that positive trends in financial
results will occur.
--30--sw/ny*
CONTACT: Investor Contacts:
Hauppauge Digital, Inc., Hauppauge
Gerald Tucciarone, Chief Financial Officer,
516/434-1600 extension 306
or
Media Contacts:
Sard Verbinnen & Co., New York
Paul Caminiti/Andrew Cole, 212/687-8080
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