Gateway computer with DVD and hardware MPEG2 and AC-3 decode...........
Is it still MPact, or ......
Gateway 2000 Launches New Destination Product
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1997--Gateway 2000, Inc.,
(NYSE: GTW) a global leader in the direct marketing of PCs, today announced Destination(R)
DMC (Digital Media Computer), the next generation of Gateway's popular Destination Big Screen
PC/TV. The Destination DMC is designed to combine 4 digital media platforms: DVD (Digital
Versatile Disk), Digital TV, high-speed Internet video communications access, and 3D
Gaming/Interactive Entertainment.
New-look Case
The new Destination DMC case design features a new-style front bezel and allows direct integration
with consumer electronic devices including stereo, audio and VCR equipment. With two A/V
connections in the rear panel (Svideo and RCA) and another A/V connection in the front, customers
can easily connect existing CE devices directly onto the Destination CPU. This allows the
Destination's user interface to digitally control and enhance each device independently. Front inputs
for a microphone and USB connectors are also featured. New rear outputs for Digital Dolby (AC3)
and SPDIF (Sony Phillips Digital Interface) provide state-of-the-art sound capabilities. VCR
recording is much easier because of the new "record out" capability. Additionally, a new, quiet
power supply makes integration of Destination unobtrusive in any environment.
Monitors
The Destination Digital Media Computer will be offered with two monitor choices; a 31" SVGA
monitor (33" Diagonal, 31.5" viewable) with 800 x 600 @ 60Hz refresh rate, and the new 36" (38"
Diagonal, 35.5" viewable) Multimode SVGA monitor, which also supports 800 x 600 @60Hz. The
36" monitor has a PC/TV mode that automatically adjusts the color temperature and overscan
frequencies to optimize both TV and computer performance. Both monitors have Invar Shadow
Mask and vast color capabilities.
Keyboard and Mouse
The multidirectional, 4-channel Radio Frequency keyboard and Field Mouse(R) both have a 25'
range for ease in "long-distance" computing. Both control the TV and PC power, volume, channel,
and mute and recall buttons along with being able to perform numerous other functions. The 87-key
alphanumeric cordless keyboard houses an easy-to-use touch pad. The Remote Field Mouse
features an integrated track ball, numeric keypad and includes control buttons for TV and PC
functionality.
Surround Sound
Destination DMC's rear A/V panel supports two surround-sound standards: Dolby(R) Digital and
Dolby Pro Logic(R). The precision of the harman/kardon(R) speaker system takes Dolby Pro Logic
to exceptional heights in listening enjoyment. The seven-piece Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound
System, which comes standard on the Pentium(R) II D6-233, D6-266 and the D6-300XL systems,
includes an AVR-10 audio/video receiver with remote control, a subwoofer, a center channel
speaker, and four satellite speakers.
"The Destination DMC provides the best no-compromise solution for the new communication and
broadcast requirements of your home and office," said Bill Graber, Destination Marketing Manager.
"Each day, customers find clever new ways to take advantage of this emerging technology."
DTV
As a Digital Television, the Destination DMC is ahead of its time. All Destination systems feature
digital line doubling, de-interlacing technology, two-tap vertical line interpolation and five-tap
horizontal line interpolation. Destination DMC takes an analog feed and digitally enhances it to
decrease flicker and improve picture quality. Although the 181-channel TV tuner is setup to accept
existing analog TV signals (NTSC), the Destination DMC is computer-based, and has the same
upgrade capabilities as typical PCs. As digital TV signals become readily available through various
sources, the Destination DMC has the benefit of allowing for the same type of upgrade capabilities
that personal computers do.
DVD
DVD, the likely successor to videocassettes, represents the first real opportunity for customers to
experience digital video in their homes or businesses. DVD offers higher quality digital imaging,
exceptional digital sound and greater versatility than current laser discs, VCRs and CDs. A DVD
disk stores seven times more information than a compact disc and can store up to 4.7GB of data.
DVD is capable of displaying crystal-clear picture quality at 720 x 480 pixel resolution. Along with
this exceptional video feature that Destination DMC delivers, users can also take advantage of DVD
encoded PC games that can't be played on traditional DVD players.
Internet Access
With the fast growth of digital video on the Internet, the Destination DMC platform is becoming the
premiere device for digital communication. By using high-speed access services, Destination is the
ideal product for accessing Internet media by family members in the home, students in the classroom,
and professionals in the corporate environment. As a business tool utilizing video conferencing and
data collaboration, the Destination DMC can help companies increase productivity and save travel
costs. The huge 36" monitor and wireless RF keyboard and mouse allow users to enjoy true group
computing without the hassles of trying to read print on a small monitor or take turns at an attached
keyboard and mouse.
Gaming
All Destination Big Screen PC/TVs and the Pentium II Destination DMCs are shipped standard with
the Apocalypse(TM) 3Dx Graphics accelerator, which takes 3D gaming to an arcade-level
experience. For multiplayer gaming via modem or Internet, the Destination system is an ideal
platform. The 31" and 36" monitors make flight simulators, racing games, and sporting games more
realistic and exciting to play for kids and adults alike.
Education
Because of the fast growth of technology-based curriculum in schools and universities, Destination
systems have become very popular in education as a tool for presentations and distance learning. As
a total solution for low-cost classroom computing, Destination systems are replacing overhead
projectors, LCD panels, and chalkboards. The Destination platform is quickly becoming the new
standard for PC-based educational training and distance learning.
Pricing
The Destination DMC, priced at $4,999, comes standard with the Intel 300MHz Pentium II
Processor, including 512K cache, 64MB EDO DRAM, 36" multimode SVGA Monitor, 4MB
Apocalypse 3Dx Graphics Accelerator, 8.4GB hard drive, DVD-ROM drive with Hardware
MPEG2 and AC3 decoding, and the harman/kardon Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound System.
The same system with a 31" monitor is available for $4,499. Other Destination Systems are priced
as low as $2,499.
For more sales and product information, call 1-800-846-4875 or visit destination.com.
About Gateway 2000
Gateway (NYSE: GTW), a Fortune 500 company founded in 1985, is a leading global direct
marketer of PC products. The company, headquartered in North Sioux City, South Dakota, has
manufacturing facilities in the United States, Ireland and Malaysia and employs over 10,000 people
worldwide. Gateway products and services consistently win top awards from leading industry
publications. In 1996, the company shipped 1.9 million systems and reported revenues of $5 billion.
Revenue for the first half of 1997 was $2.8 billion with net income of $124 million. For further
information, visit Gateway at gateway.com.
CONTACT: Gateway 2000, North Sioux City
Sue Nail, Phone: (605) 232-1371
FAX: (605) 232-1127
e-mail: nailsue@gateway.com |
