Almost 30 Products Featuring Texas Instruments DLP Technology On Show at CES 2002; 'Clear, sharp, digitally-precise images'.

Business/Technology Editors

CES 2002 Booth 2015

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002

At CES this year, the Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) booth (Booth 2015) will once again feature a representative sample of the rapidly growing number of home entertainment projectors and displays to feature Digital Light Processing(TM) technology. However, it will be at booths throughout the show that visitors will be struck by how rapidly DLP(TM) technology is becoming pervasive in the world of home entertainment, and at the depth and breadth of solutions it is enabling. It will be hard to find a projector, display or TV manufacturer that does not feature DLP(TM) technology on the show floor this year. But then, given that the number of home entertainment products enabled by DLP(TM) technology is now close to thirty, that should come as no surprise.

"CES is always exciting for us," said Dale Zimmerman, Manager of DLP(TM) Home Entertainment Products at TI's DLP(TM) Products division, "but this is certainly the most exciting yet as we demonstrate to the industry the clear, sharp, digitally-precise images that DLP technology can deliver, and the growing range of leading edge, innovative products that DLP technology is enabling. Looking around the show, it's hard not to feel a certain pride in the way we have made such rapid progress in a market in which DLP technology was virtually unknown only two or three years ago."

Among the manufacturers featuring DLP(TM) technology in products on their booths will be the following:

For invited guests at the Piazza Suite at the Venetian Hotel, Coretronic (formerly known as Optoma) will be showing a prototype of a 46" large screen TV based on DLP(TM) technology. Codenamed 'Beethoven', the prototype is at an advanced stage such that it could feature in products in production in third quarter for sales in fourth quarter. The company is specifically targeting ODM/OEM business.

One of the first companies to adopt DLP(TM) technology for its home entertainment projection solutions was Dream Vision (Booth 23129). CES 2002 will see the debut of the Cinema Ten Pro projector, which is capable of delivering 1,200 lumens at a contrast ratio of 800:1. With five video inputs (two composite, two S-VHS, one progressive and interlaced RGB/Component) as well as VGA and DVI, the Cinema Ten Pro is characterized by its unique styling. Complementing the Cinema Ten Pro are the CineX range of home entertainment projectors. Weighing just three pounds, the CineXone (XGA resolution) and the CineXtwo (SVGA resolution) feature an innovative dual display mode. In data mode - when connected to a personal computer - where image brightness is a key requirement, all four segments of the color wheel are used, allowing 1,100 lumens to be delivered. However, in video mode - where color saturation is more important than brightness - the white segment of the color wheel is disabled.

DWIN Electronics (Booth D21250) will be showing the TransVision2(TM) which comprises not just a DLP(TM) technology-based projector, but also an outboard video controller. DWIN says that the combination of its proprietary video signal processing, precision gray scale settings and gamma selections, adaptive film mode processing and signal dynamic range expansion - all are automatic features - delivers deep black levels and natural color reproduction with reduced motion artifacts. The video controller - which is capable of accepting a total of ten inputs - routes signals to the projector via a single RGB cable. Unusually, the TransVision2(TM) offers two lamp choices (150W and 270W) to enable it to deliver bright images to a range of screen sizes: it also offers a lens shift feature that allows the projection offset to be adjusted from lens level to 50% of the picture height.

One of the first companies to adopt DLP(TM) technology in the development of large screen TVs was Hitachi (Caesars Palace - By Invitation Only). At CES 2002, the company will showcase its UltraVision Digital 55-inch 55DMX01W TV monitor. The 16:9 widescreen model delivers a display resolution of 1280 x 720 and brightness of 350 cd/m2. The proprietary Light Engine, which is at the heart of the DMX, incorporates several state of the art innovations, which, according to Hitachi, maximize the potential of DLP(TM) technology. These innovations include the dual curvature shape of the lamp reflector, and a 10-element high contrast wide-angle lens system and high-resolution screen. The 55DMX01W is also capable of computer display applications. Featuring a multi-scan capability of 31.48-79.98 kHz (horizontal) and 56.25-85Hz (vertical), the 55DMX01W is able to support a broad range of computer resolutions including VGA, SVGA, XGA and SXGA (scaled).

InFocus(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: INFS) (OSE: IFC) (Suite N245), the worldwide leader in digital projection, recently announced the first product in its new home entertainment projector series, the InFocus LS110, which will be featured at CES. The InFocus LS110 includes, the company says, a 6-segment color wheel and is optimized for video display with high contrast, color saturation and quiet operation. Capable of either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, the LS110 incorporates DCDi video image enhancement technology from Faroudja(TM). Based on the award-winning InFocus LP530 platform, the new projector delivers brightness of 1,000 lumens, is HDTV-compatible and features DVI/HDCP inputs. InFocus says that the LS110 offers an amazing big screen experience at a lower cost than traditional home theater projectors or alternatives.

A company that has recently added products based on DLP(TM) technology to its line-up is Marantz America Inc. (Booth LVCC So. 1-2/19549). Featured at CES will be both a front projection system and a large screen TV. The VP-12S1 High-Definition Projector, says Marantz, is compatible with virtually every digital and analog video program source, and can operate in either native progressive scan mode or upconvert video sources. It features a Sage Inc. chipset, which incorporates patented Faroudja DCDi(TM) (Directional Correlation Deinterlacing) technology, a high-definition 1280 x 720 pixel panel and newly developed Minolta custom optics. The VP12-S1 delivers a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, 700 ANSI lumens brightness and 3:2 pull down detection. The optics and mechanism are double-sealed to keep out dust, prevent light leakage and eliminate the "halo" effect which, according to the company, can degrade image quality in conventional projectors. The DL5500 55-Inch Projection TV also features DLP(TM) technology. Capable of handling HD component video, component video, S-video, composite video, RF and RGB inputs, the DL5500 uses a high-definition 1280 x 720 pixel panel with a precision 10-element lens system and a first surface reflection mirror that places the reflective surface outside the glass, eliminating the refraction distortion caused, according to Marantz, by conventional mirrors. With brightness of 350cd/m2, the set also includes built-in Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic surround sound decoding, a 60-watt multi-channel amplifier and front left, front right and center speakers for what the company describes as powerful and dynamic multi-channel sound, along with speaker terminals and a subwoofer output to connect a pair of surround speakers and a powered subwoofer to create a full 5.1-channel surround sound audio system.

The PT-52DL10 large screen television won 'Best In Show' in the video category of the 'Innovations 2001' awards at CES last year, and it will again be featured by Panasonic (Booth LVCC Cen 1-2/2001). Featuring a 2-tuner picture-in-picture with split screen display capability, the PT-52DL10 sports a wide array of inputs, including a PC input (XGA compatible), three sets of component video inputs (Y, PB, PR), four sets of a/v input jacks, four S-video input jacks and two RF inputs. Also provided is the Director(TM) Home Theater Remote with joystick.

Taking the position that many consumers are also business people - just as most business people are also consumers - PLUS Corporation of America (Booth 23757) will showcase not only its recently-announced Piano HE-3100 home entertainment projector, but also its range of highly portable business projectors for the mobile professional. Of interest to most visitors, however, is likely to be the Piano. Claimed by the company to be the smallest, lightest projector ever designed specifically for home entertainment use, the Piano weighs just 4.4lbs, with dimensions of 9.3 in. wide by 7.8 in. deep by 3.6 in. high. The Piano provides a number of viewing options, including a composite input, an S-Video input and a component input, as well as a DVI-D input for a computer signal (enabling connection to the projector by PC users). Incorporation of the DLP(TM) Widescreen (480P) Component Set allows the Piano to feature both a native 848 x 480 resolution-mode that permits projection of 16:9 aspect ratio images with no scaling required, and an 800 x 600 resolution mode that permits the projector to deliver 4:3 aspect ratio images. With 450 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 700:1, it is available in a choice of five colors. Also likely to be of interest to many visitors will be the world's smallest, lightest projectors. Weighing just 2lbs and with a footprint the size of a daily planner, the PLUS Lightware Series V-1080 and V-807 business projectors deliver 800 lumens of brightness at XGA and SVGA resolution respectively. Finally, PLUS will also feature the company's U3 range of projectors for business and professional use.

A company that has long featured DLP(TM) technology in its range of products specifically designed for the home theater enthusiast is Runco (Booth 23628). Runco will take the opportunity at CES to debut the Reflection(TM) VX-1000C, which features the recently-announced 1,280 x 720 pixel resolution version of the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) which is at the heart of DLP(TM) technology, thus allowing the VX-1000C to project 720p HDTV images in their native form. The VX1000-C includes Runco's award-winning PFP(TM) Controller which scales all NTSC (or PAL on international versions) signals precisely to the native resolution of the display. Runco says that added flexibility is provided for the VX-1000C use through the provision of a vertical lens shift and electronic keystone correction as well as an expanded optical zoom range.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Booth 657) will demonstrate pre-production units of its first products to feature DLP(TM) technology. Scheduled for commercial shipment in mid-2002, the Samsung units feature screen sizes of 43" and 50" and are characterized by weights of just 75 lbs and 84 lbs and front-to-back footprints of only 15.7 and 18 inches, respectively. Other features include multiple widescreen format inputs, DVD progressive scan input, DVI computer input, and 3:2 pull down. Pricing is expected to set new levels of affordability, according to the company.

Sharp Electronics Corporation (Booth 1026) will feature the company's recently-announced SharpVision XV-Z9000U front projector. Designed exclusively for high-end home theater use, the XV-Z9000U was the first front projector to feature the HD-1 version of the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) which is at the heart of DLP(TM) technology, giving it true 16:9 (1,280 x 720 pixel) HD resolution. The projector delivers a contrast ratio of 1,100:1 with 800 lumens of brightness. Sharp's proprietary Computer & Video Integrated Composer (CV-IC) technology optimizes film or video content for enhanced viewing through two key scaling processes: advanced interlaced to progressive (I/P) conversion and enhanced 3:2 pull down. These sophisticated processes provide what the company says is optimal conversion of interlaced signals to the progressive format, and allow for the most accurate reproduction of film-based content.

From SIM2 Multimedia (Booth 22907) comes the Grand Cinema HT300, the latest addition to SIM2's range of home entertainment products that feature DLP(TM) technology. A redesigned light path allows the HT300 to deliver contrast ratios in excess of 1,000:1, while the company says that the combination of sophisticated optical design and a very high performance zoom lens ensures superior uniformity and edge-to-edge definition. The HT300 features built-in de-interlacing and video enhancement: Directional Correlational De-interlacing (DCDi(TM)) by Faroudja (a division of Sage Inc.) applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to prevent, according to SIM2, the introduction of motion artifacts and jagged edges that are often present in video signals that originated from video cameras. Also featured in the HT300 is the new 6-segment color wheel, which is designed to virtually eliminate color separation artifacts. Finally, the HT300 features a double keystone adjustment - an optical correction facility (+/- 8 degrees) keystone correction together with a digital (+/- 21 degrees) keystone correction for ceiling mount installations. Also on show at CES 2002 will be the Grand Cinema HT200 which is also capable of either native 16:9 or native 4:3 images and which also features the 6-segment color wheel.

A major European company that has committed to DLP(TM) technology for the development of a new generation of large screen, table top TVs is Vestel (Booth LVCC Cen 3-5/1183). At IFA in Berlin in August last year, Vestel demonstrated a prototype of a 43" screen TV weighing just 75lbs and measuring only 18" front to back. The production version is expected to weigh even less at 55lbs (25kgs), with a depth of just 12" and will be suitable for mounting on a shelf or tabletop. It is designed with the needs of European consumers in mind, and is optimised specifically for the burgeoning digital widescreen PAL market. Target price for the commercial product is $3,000.

Reflecting the trend for the world's premier audio companies to offer complete home entertainment solutions by adding projectors based on DLP(TM) technology to their product line-ups, Yamaha Electronics Corporation (Booth LVCC Cen 3-5/1339) will show the DPX-1. With a contrast ratio of 900:1 and brightness of 800 lumens, the projector also features `Yamaha Natural Black', a feature which the company says allows it to deliver richer, truer, more detailed blacks than can be seen from other projectors. The DPX-1 is also one of the quietest home theater projection systems on the market at 30dB. The DPX-1 supports a broad range of what the company calls professional grade inputs, including component video with BNC terminals, analog RGB, DVI, composite video and S-video. An RS232C serial interface and a +12v trigger out jack output signals to activate other components when the projector is powered on. It is also designed to be compatible with a wide range of formats including digital satellite broadcasting at 1080I, 720p, 480p and 480I to ordinary media such as DVD, LC and VCR. A personal computer can also be attached.

Zenith Electronics Corporation (Booth 2027) will preview its first large screen HDTV monitor based on DLP(TM) technology. The Zenith 53W is characterized by a 53" diagonal screen, yet it weighs only 88lbs and has a front-to-back measurement of just over 16". First shipments are scheduled for 2003. Developed with Zenith's parent company, LG Electronics, the preliminary specifications for the Zenith 53W include a brightness rating of 450 cd/m2 and contrast ratio of 700:1. According to the company, it is designed to deliver `stunning' high definition images.

DLP(TM) technology delivers the clearest, sharpest, brightest, most accurate images in a broad range of projection and display applications including business projectors, home entertainment projectors, large screen tabletop TVs, video walls and projection systems used in commercial entertainment. DLP Cinema(TM) technology, which delivers large screen images that are superior in many respects to film, is helping to revolutionize the movie industry. Today, TI supplies DLP(TM) subsystems to almost all the world's top projector manufacturers, who then design, manufacture and market projectors based on DLP(TM) technology. Since early 1996, over 1,000,000 DLP(TM) subsystems have been shipped. Over the past four years, DLP(TM) technology-based projectors have consistently won some of the audio-visual industry's most prestigious awards, including, in June 1998, an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

At the heart of TI's Digital Light Processing(TM) technology is the Digital Micromirror Device optical semiconductor chip. The DMD switch has an array of up to 1,310,000 hinged, microscopic mirrors which operate as optical switches to create a high resolution, full color image. For more information, please visit www.dlp.com.

Texas Instruments Incorporated is the world leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet age. The company's businesses also include sensors and controls, and educational and productivity solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com

Digital Light Processing, DLP and DLP Cinema are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other products and names may or may not be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.