1999-03-09 ,
Press Releases From Customers/Partners

Philips unveils first TriMedia^® and Microsoft Windows CE-based videoconferencing system

MultiMedia Com, San Jose, Calif., March 9, 1999 - Philips Electronics today announced the latest in its expanding MatchView family of videoconferencing and audioconferencing systems. The videoconferencing system, utilizing the powerful Philips' TriMedia™ processor, is the first to utilize Microsoft's^® popular Windows CE™ system. The audioconferencing system features the latest advances in audio for higher fidelity sound reproduction.

"By its nature, conferencing - both video and voice-based - is a global business with dramatic growth projections specifically in the segment addressed by our new MatchView Tiger videoconferencing system and MatchSound Cub audioconferencing system. These leading edge products give both current and new customers a solid business meeting-tool platform that can be expanded to meet increased demands," said Robert Visser, Global General Manager of the Philips Videoconferencing Systems. "These distinctively designed systems incorporate the latest standards and Philips advanced core technologies. As an added benefit, we've made them easy to upgrade to meet our customers future needs."

The MatchView Tiger videoconferencing system combines the ease of use of a telephone with the power of a personal computer. The system incorporates Philips sophisticated natural motion and motion smoothing software with its award-winning programmable Tri-Media™ processor. Given this combination, the video clarity of the MatchView Tiger videoconferencing system meets consumer expectations for television.

Philips new videoconferencing system uses the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, which is designed to provide connectivity and interoperability to power the new era of interconnected information appliances. "Philips has taken advantage of Windows CE core features: rich services, scalability and modularity and extended it to this exciting new market segment," said Jonathan Roberts, general manager, information appliance division Microsoft Corp. "Windows CE and the MatchView Tiger videoconferencing system offer enterprise developers a powerful tool that will expand with their businesses."

With the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, the MatchView Tiger videoconferencing system provides better connectivity to personal computers and functions such as NetMeeting conferencing software. As an open modular platform, Windows CE enables future remote upgrading to add new features such as web browsing. This enables customers to add new functions and data to their meeting room. The system also features more natural, automatic camera movement based on both audio and video technologies. The system's innovative, intuitive interface and intelligent LCD remote control device ensure simple, "hassle-free" navigation. In addition, the system provides an IrDA interface for wireless presentation and software downloads. The Tiger conforms to industry standards and can easily communicate with other standards-based videoconferencing systems worldwide.

The MatchSound Cub audioconferencing system is a flexible meeting tool that can be configured as either a stand-alone, tabletop conference phone or linked to the MatchView Tiger as an integral part of a videoconferencing system. The Cub audioconferencing system is contemporary in design, incorporating a telephone keypad and features Philips patented advanced audio technologies. Its feature list includes enhanced full duplex sound with acoustic echo cancellation and dynamic echo suppression. The Cub has an onboard LCD with extensive menus, and it supports ISDN and PSTN interfaces.

The MatchView Tiger and MatchSound Cub will be available in third quarter, 1999, through the company's worldwide network of distributors. The MatchView Tiger, 128Kbps unit is list priced at below $5,000, and the 512Kbps unit at approximately $8,000. The MatchSound Cub will be offered in two configurations, each with a suggested retail price starting of $499.

About Philips
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of US$ 33.9 billion in 1998. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, color picture tubes for televisions and monitors, and one-chip TV products. Its 233,700 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, medical systems, business electronics, and IT services (Origin). Philips is quoted on the NYSE, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at  www.news.philips.com. Philips Video Conferencing Systems is located in Palo Alto, CA. For more information about Philips Video Conferencing Systems and its products visit  www.vcs.philips.com.