EGLW (OTC BB fully filing) began to move up yest w/this release...now at 1 7/8 on heavy rel vol of 52,000 at 10.20a...gog
Eagle Wireless International, Inc., and VIA
Technologies, Inc., Team To Announce Smart Home Multimedia
Technology From BroadbandMagic.com
HOUSTON, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- VIA Technologies, Inc. (listed on Taiwan stock exchange), a recognized leader in
computer processors and chip sets, and Eagle Wireless International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: EGLW - news), a technology
leader in wired and wireless broadband technology, announced today that Eagle has selected VIA's line-up of the processor
and chip sets for its multimedia players -- Convergent Set-Top Boxes (CSTBs). Eagle is marketing these products under the
name of ``BroadbandMagic.com,' a wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle. Eagle utilizes VIA's technology to drive its combination
multimedia DVD player, computer, and Internet access Set-Top Box. BroadbandMagic.com's multimedia products have been
developed to fit within the home entertainment center and utilize the homeowner's existing TV screen for display. The home
user will have use of a complete DVD player, high-performance PC, and Internet access device within one box that is smaller
than a conventional VCR.
The complete line of BroadbandMagic.com CSTBs include a series of multimedia capabilities that allow the homeowner to
combine the functionality of multiple existing devices within the entertainment center into a single Convergent Set-Top Box. This
concept should begin to minimize the cabling nightmare behind the TV set. The low profile appearance and designer type styling
of the devices provide PC functionality in a home entertainment type box that most homeowners will find an attractive addition
to their home. According to officials from both companies, the initial response at the COMDEX show in Las Vegas, where
they jointly introduced the initial product, was very positive for the CSTB concept.
Dr. H. Dean Cubley of Eagle said, ``The CSTB concept was very appropriate for the COMDEX theme of the smart and
potentially wireless home.' Dr. Cubley went on to say, ``VIA's processor gives the user a wide range of PC and gaming
capabilities using either Microsoft's powerful Windows 98 or other embedded operating systems. BroadbandMagic.com is
jointly developing operating systems for novice PC users with third party companies. Our DVD player supports the latest
MPEG2 video format features currently available, and Internet access can be accomplished with either the 56K internal modem
or 10/100 Ethernet. A DSL modem can be easily added as an option.'
Eagle's architecture is structured around the convergence of video, voice, and data into a single functional unit. This architecture
enables consumer, commercial, and educational needs to be accommodated with the same basic architecture. Unlike its major
competitors, Eagle's products are configurable to meet consumer demands. Eagle officials added that two USB ports, 16-bit
Dolby stereo sound, advanced graphic outputs, and an IR transceiver for an IR keyboard/mouse combination are also
embedded on the motherboard. Embedding these functions allows room for a PCI slot, which can be used for a number of
devices, including an ISDN or DSL modem or a Wireless LAN card, etc.
The CSTB allows the homeowner, as well as the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and larger enterprises, to capitalize on
future bundled voice, video, and data services. These bundled services are being installed in most new homes for ``future
proofing' the homeowner's investment. Streaming video, voice-over-IP, cable, and Internet services are all attainable with this
new family of CSTBs. The new CSTB from Eagle is currently shipping in small quantities and is expected to be available in
commercial quantity in Q1 2000. The higher-end models will be capable of recording video for later viewing, as well as
stereoscopic 3D viewing of DVDs that have been recorded with this capability. Input from cameras and games is also possible,
making the box much more versatile than a conventional STB.
Further technical specifications and news updates on these and other products are available at: www.eglw.com,
www.otcfn.com/eglw, and www.compasspointgroup.com.
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the ``safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties,
including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition, new products
and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks
detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Clareen O'Quinn, Investor Relations of Eagle Wireless International, Inc., 800-628-3910, or 281-538-6000,
coquinn@eglw.com; or Scott Brown, Investor Relations, The Compass Point Group, Inc., 619-525-0800,
sb@compasspointgroup.com, for Eagle Wireless International, Inc.; or Mario ``Ike' Iacoviello, Investor Relations, OTC
Financial Network, 800-649-0983, 760-931-9211, ike@otcfn.com |
