"Monday December 4, 7:53 am Eastern Time
Press Release
Universal Electronics Leverages Its Cable Industry Leadership Into Emerging Interactive TV Marketplace
UEI's Mosaic(TM) Stands Out at Western Cable Show; Company Advances Digital TV Strategy
CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000-- Wireless-control technology developer Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI)(Nasdaq:UEIC - news) said today that its 2-way RF, hand-held Mosaic(TM) touch-screen device received extremely positive feedback from cable operators, programmers and media attending last week's Western Cable Show in Los Angeles, because it provides cable operators and their customers the ability to enjoy the benefits of interactive TV now. The Mosaic control device was demonstrated as part of an interactive TV application that makes it possible for cable subscribers to personalize their interactive experience by downloading interactive content from the digital set-top box onto the Mosaic hand-held monitor.
At a joint press conference held last Wednesday, and throughout the remaining three days of the Western Cable Show, UEI's Mosaic, which, in addition to offering interactive features, controls up to 15 household entertainment devices via an all-in-one touch-screen pad and monitor, was prominently featured in several demonstrations of interactive TV using technology and equipment available today from UEI, Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT - news), Liberty Livewire Corp. (Nasdaq:LWIRA - news), OpenTV (Nasdaq:OPTV; AEX: OPTV), and ACTV, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACTV - news).
``Having maintained our leadership in remote control devices throughout the introduction and adoption of digital cable,'' Arling said, ``we are now well positioned for the next wave of home entertainment: interactive TV.'' Noting that UEI is already shipping its Mosaic platform through retail channel partners, Arling stated, ``UEI has once again successfully established a technology edge, and we are on track with our strategy to penetrate the digital interactive TV market, both with our multiple Mosaic platforms, and other products that provide interactive functionality now -- such as our popular Millennium series.''
Camille Jayne, executive chairman of the board, added, ``As initiatives to advance digital deployment continue, cable and satellite operators have an interim strategy available to them to implement revenue-generating, interactive TV applications now, and in a way that eliminates the waiting time for technology developments. By being part of a full solution to provide interactivity, Web content through the TV, and a very personalized enhancement of synchronous content, UEI is fortifying its leadership role by offering cable and satellite operators the ability to deploy current digital set top boxes with a value-added interactive solution today.''
UEI supplies high-quality, competitively priced remote control products to the nation's largest multiple system cable operators (MSOs), who are the prime decision-makers in selecting which remote-control products are to be packaged with set-top boxes.
Arling continued, ``UEI's leadership position supplying cable operators is built upon our unsurpassed infrared database code library, our unique patents that facilitate ease of use and facilitate revenue generation, the quality and reliability of our products, and our commitment to service. The UEI team has proven time and again its ability to be the first to deliver advanced universal remotes and keyboards to help their customers advance their businesses right now.''
UEI has captured an estimated 70% of the digital cable market either by providing full control devices designed by UEI and containing UEI's world renowned IR database library and patented features, or via chips embedded with UEI firmware that ship in other devices.
``UEI's interactive TV strategy builds upon our successful digital cable efforts,'' said Arling. ``We have created a solid foundation by fostering relationships with the majority of the key cable operators. We continue to educate cable operators about UEI's product advantages, many of which stem from our 37 patents. And, we integrate our marketing efforts via our print campaigns, trade show attendance and other outreach efforts.''
``At the Western Cable Show, investors and operators all found proof that the interactive TV market is possible now with current technology,'' Jayne said. ``Further, we demonstrated that with the value add of UEI's Mosaic technology, which optimizes viewers' interactive experiences, UEI will help drive the proliferation of digital TV on current digital set top boxes, as well as digital interactive TV.''
UEI's patented two-way data communication feature is what enables users to sync interactive content onto the Mosaic touch-screen device while controlling electronic equipment. In the palms of their hands, without interrupting the TV viewing experience, users can control up to 15 audio-visual devices while accessing any Web content, including interactive options such as IPGs, e-commerce, games and e-mail.
About Universal Electronics
Universal Electronics Inc., based in Southern California, develops software, and builds and markets pre-programmed, easy-to-use wireless control devices and chips principally for home entertainment equipment and the subscription broadcast market. The company's product lines include such wireless interface technologies as combination keyboard/remotes and touch-screen remotes. UEI licenses its patented technologies and database of infrared codes to companies selling into the cable and satellite industries, and to original equipment manufacturers. The company also sells its universal remote control products to distributors and retailers in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia under the One For All® brand name. Additional information about UEI may be found on the Internet by visiting uei.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein are the following: the failure of the Company's businesses to continue growing in the manner anticipated by management due to competition and other factors, fluctuations in interest rates and in currency exchange rates in various applicable parts of the world; the demand for the Company's products and technologies in various markets, including worldwide digital cable and OEM markets, South America, Australia and New Zealand, not materializing in 2000 as believed by management; the Company's inability to add profitable complementary products and services which are accepted by the marketplace; the inability by the Company to continue to maintain its operating costs at acceptable levels through its cost containment efforts; the continued strength of the Company's Balance Sheet, the inability of the Company to continue selling its products or licensing its technologies at higher or profitable margins throughout 2000 and beyond; the failure of the various markets and industries to converge, grow or emerge as rapidly or as successfully as believed by management; the continued growth of the digital market, the inability of the Company to obtain orders or maintain its order volume with its new and existing customers through the remainder of the year; the inability of the Company to continue to obtain adequate quantities of component parts on a timely basis; and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's press releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Contact:
Universal Electronics Inc.
Camille Jayne, 714/820-1000
Paul Arling, 714/820-1000
uei.com
or
Lippert Heilshorn and Associates Inc. (IR Agency)
Lillian Armstrong, 415/433-3777"
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