IDI's CORRidiOR to be Integrated in NextLevel's
Digicipher II; Novel Technical Approach Could Save
Companies Millions
IJAMSVILLE, Md., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its expertise in
delivering high-speed data and video over IP satellite transmissions,
Intelligent Devices, Inc. (IDI) today said it has signed an agreement to
supply its CORRidiOR in an integrated architecture to NextLevel Systems, Inc.,
(NYSE: NLV) for use in the retailing, financial services, business television,
interactive distance learning, and medical markets. The agreement formalizes
a working relationship that began more than a year ago.
IDI's CORRidiOR is being integrated in NextLevel's DigiCipher II 5200V
Integrated Receiver Decoder, a new product from the leader in satellite
networks that was successfully demonstrated recently at the 1997 Telecon show.
In addition to high-quality MPEG 2 video, the DigiCipher II 5200V offers
private network customers a data-delivery interface and new multicast
technology. It delivers video to the desktop, Intranet access and high-speed
file transfer at rates of up to 9 Megabits-per-second -- in parallel with
broadcast audio and video.
This novel integrated approach could provide millions in annual savings to
customers who have broadcast requirements such as video, data, graphics, and
multi-media transmissions as well as Internet and Intranet services, IDI said.
Beyond the immediate focus, other potential clients include automakers,
parts distributors, national and global shipping companies, public utilities,
state and federal agencies and the U.S. military. IDI said the agreement with
NextLevel could lead to sales of several thousand CORRidiOR units.
J. Mitchell Robinson, IDI president and chief operating officer, explained
that the IDI-NextLevel technology could have a major impact on the fast
growing market for wireless telecommunications. Now, for the first time ever,
customers can receive high-speed MPEG 2 video, and multi-megabit data
simultaneously in a seamlessly integrated product. "This technology marriage
offers enhanced performance in the wireless industry," Robinson said.
"Together we are now able to offer our clients the means to more efficiently
use their business satellite systems".
"The fact that IDI's product is readily available and proven technology,
with a wide installed base is very exciting," said John Glass, vice president
of marketing for NextLevel's Satellite Data Network business. "IDI delivers
the kind of high performance and flexibility that takes advantage of our
satellite communications platforms."
"What is perhaps most important about this combined approach," added
Robinson "is that we can provide meaningful and measurable benefits to the
customer's bottom line. We know from experience that we can shave millions of
dollars a year off the costs of telecommunications, shipping, training and
personnel."
According to the high-tech publication "Signal Magazine," Ford Motor Co.
is already using IDI's CORRidiOR, a high-speed router-bridge-protocol
converter, at more than 5,000 U.S. dealerships. Signal said that under this
system Ford has eliminated the manufacture and shipping of more than 100,000
CD-ROMS each year and has improved the quality control of dealership parts and
repairs. Signal also reported that IDI's products now accompany equipment
NextLevel supplies to Merrill Lynch.
For his part, NextLevel's Glass noted the DigiCipher II 5200V is a natural
outgrowth of IDI and NextLevel's digital telecommunications expertise. Glass
said NextLevel is putting initial emphasis on retailers, financial services
companies and the medical market and is involved in negotiations with several
potential clients.
Based in Ijamsville, Md., IDI is a fast-growing telecommunications and
information services company that is privately held. IDI offers a wide array
of digital network products designed to facilitate high-speed data broadcasts
and streaming video to the desktop. To learn more about IDI, visit the
company's web site at www.idinets.com.
NextLevel Systems is a leading global supplier of systems and components
for high-performance communications networks delivering video, voice and
Internet/data services. The company employs 8,000 people worldwide and had
$1.8 billion in revenues last year. NextLevel's Satellite Data Networks
business is based in San Diego, Calif. To learn more about NextLevel, visit
the company's web site at www.nlvl.com.
SOURCE Intelligent Devices, Inc.
/CONTACT: J. Mitchell Robinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Intelligent Devices, Inc., 301-874-5800/
(NLV) |
