Array Includes Microsoft's Media Tools to Provide Compelling Streaming Media Solutions.

Business/Technology Editors

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2000

Leading Hardware and Software Solutions Combine to Enable Fast, Simple

Creation of Low-Bandwidth, Streaming Media 

Array Microsystems announced today that it will include Microsoft's Windows Media tools with its innovative line of digital video products. Including the leading software tools for media development with the leading digital video hardware offers a complete solution optimized for the easy creation and fast deployment of streaming content.

"Windows Media is the leader in providing a digital media platform that a wide range of developers can build upon," said Anthony Bay, general manager of the Streaming Media Division at Microsoft. "Including these tools with Array's innovative digital video solutions gives developers and users the most comprehensive set of resources for building digital media applications and creating streaming media content."

"Including Microsoft's Media tools was an easy decision -- it adds best-in-class streaming media content creation to the Communicator product's best-in-class video conferencing and MPEG-1 encoding capabilities," said Paul Smith, president and CEO of Array Microsystems. "Our Communicator product is now the optimal solution for any media rich application, whether it's business-quality video conferencing and collaboration, streaming MPEG-1 content over intranets, or, with the addition of Microsoft Media tools, streaming high-quality low-bandwidth content over the Internet."

About The Array Line of Digital Video Products

Array's products are enabled by its proprietary VideoFLOW(TM) video processor chipset technology -- providing the highest quality video possible.

Communicator: The Communicator is the only Microsoft NetMeeting hardware accelerator available. It is a PCI Plug-And-Play card for business-quality desktop video and audio conferencing over H.323-compliant LAN/WAN IP networks.

Recorder: The Recorder is a highly integrated half-size PCI Plug-And-Play card designed for real-time MPEG-1 capture. It is an optimized solution for providing the highest possible video and audio quality over limited bandwidth Intranets and Networks, such as those used for streaming in corporate communications or distance learning applications.

Producer: The Producer is a complete hardware and software solution for high-quality MPEG-1 compression, editing and publishing. It enables fast and simple cutting and pasting of video, audio, graphics, text and special effects for producing high quality videos, Video CDs and website content.

About Windows Media Tools

Microsoft(R) Windows Media tools offer industry-leading features that make creating and editing streaming digital content quick and easy -- from encoding to broadcasting to indexing. The tools included are: Windows Media Encoder, Windows Media Author, Windows Media ASF Indexer, Windows Media Publish to ASF for Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Media Presenter for Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Media Plug-In for Adobe Premiere, VidToASF, ASFChop, ASFCheck, WavToASF, Windows Media audio and video codecs, Nsunimgr.ocx, Nschmgr.ocx, Nserror.dll and Nsoobj.dll.

Encoding: The creation of streaming media content is simplified by tools that encode and enhance existing digital content. Stored media files or live input from a microphone or video camera are easily converted and compressed and audio files and images can be combined and synchronized.

Broadcasting: Windows Media Technologies makes it easier to broadcast streaming presentations to network users in real time. In addition to broadcasting PowerPoint slides, presenters can broadcast video and audio simultaneously to deliver a live multimedia show online, and then store their presentations for on-demand playback.

Indexing: In addition to content creation tools, Windows Media Tools provides editing tools that verify file formats and help manage and edit files.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

About Array Microsystems

Headquartered in Los Gatos, CA., Array Microsystems is a leading supplier of digital video solutions for enhanced video conferencing, recording, surveillance and streaming. Array Microsystems leverages its proprietary VideoFLOW(TM) chipset to offer products that are superior in video quality, value and ease of use. For product and sales information please visit our website at www.array.com or phone us at [phone].

Note to Editors: VideoFLOW is a registered trademark, and VideoONE is a trademark by Array Microsystems, Inc. All other products/services and trademarks mentioned in this article are the properties of their respective companies. Products and specifications are subject to change without notice.