Aztech launches multimedia kits targeted at SOHO markets; Home Office 2000 Quad and the Home Office Quad provide extra value packages and the latest in audio and CD-ROM drive technology.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 1995--To provide consumers with the forefront in multimedia technology at an affordable price, Aztech Labs Inc. (SESDAQ:AZTECH) announces the launch of two home office upgrade kits that are suited for small-office-home-office (SOHO) environments.

Both sets include the latest Aztech high performance quad speed CD-ROM drive CDA 468-01I and up-to-date audio technology. At the high end is the Home Office 2000 Quad which incorporates the latest in Quad Speed CD-ROM drive technology with the multi-functioning Audio Telephony 2000 card for fax, modem and telephone interfacing. The Home Office Quad, on the other hand, is value-added with the quad speed CD-ROM drive and Aztech's latest 16-Bit CD quality stereo sound card. These kits come bundled with popular CD titles and a pair of stereo amplified speakers and a microphone.

"We believe in rolling out multimedia kits that are high in value and affordable to everyone. Dataquest projected that multimedia kits will hit 1.3 million units by 1995 (Dataquest Report 1994). With the quad speed CD-ROM market moving into full momentum, coupled with the growing demand for quad speed CD-ROM drives and more than ever titles to support it, these multimedia kits with CD-ROM drives are set to be a hit this year," commented Mr. Michael Mun, president of Aztech Systems.

Home Office 2000 Quad

One of the pioneers to introduce a multimedia kit that incorporates an Audio Telephony card with a quad speed CD-ROM drive, Aztech's Home Office 2000 Quad kit adds telecommunication intelligence to PC computing. A six-in-one function card, the Audio Telephony integrates fax, modem, telephone and sound features on a single add-on card. It is the ideal office partner for someone who wants to experience the convenience of receiving voice or fax messages while listening to their favorite piece of classical music, all from the desktop.

"We are very excited to introduce the Home Office 2000 Quad representing a breakthrough in integrated multimedia solutions. Consumers operating in the small-office home-office environment will now be able to experience the convenience of operating from their desktop while functioning efficiently on a full scale office level. Besides assisting you like a secretary, it allows you to enjoy orchestra-quality music while performing your tasks. It is certainly a must have for a busy executive who travels frequently and needs an efficient, 24 hour secretary," said Mun.

The Aztech Quad Speed CD-ROM drive brings the Home Office 2000 Quad to the forefront in multimedia technology providing fast data retrieval, less waiting time for programs to load and smoother video animation. Its data transfer rate of 600 kbp and access speed of less than 235 msec, allow faster retrieval of information from the CD-ROM disc. The drive also provides full support for multi-session Kodak Photo CD enabling users to see multiple views of the photo realistic images on screen.

The Audio Telephony card features a modem dataspeed of 14.4K bit/s and is fully compatible with several data information transfer standards. Unlike most modems, it does not pose any data compatibility issues that cloud most modem users. In addition, its automatic voice/fax call detention capability and modem remote access feature enable remote changing of fax or forwarding of number.

Functioning like a full duplex speaker phone that allows hands free operation, users can work on their desktop while chatting to the caller comfortably. The Audio Telephony card also doubles as an answering machine that digitizes and stores all voice messages, thus allowing screening of calls, retrieval and the flexibility of interchanging from phone to fax functions. Storage space is minimized with its GSM voice compression and decompression.

In addition, the card produces true 16-Bit 48KHz stereo CD-quality sound playback and is fully compatible with major sound standards. It also provides an upgrade option to Wave Table Synthesis for clear realistic playback in 128 instrumental sounds.

Targeted at executives who need telecommunication intelligence in office computing, the value-pack is bundled with a pair of speakers, a microphone and 12 popular CD titles, which include Microsoft Encarta and Dangerous Creatures. The Home Office 2000 Quad Kit is expected to hit the retail shelves by Q2, 1995 and has a suggested retail price of $599.

Sound Galaxy Home Office Quad

The Home Office Quad Kit gives users extensive audio and business tools for perfect delivery of output from their homes. Bundled with the Sound Galaxy 16-Bit CD-quality stereo sound card enabling 48khz in digital recording and playback, there is superb sound clarity. This multimedia kit includes Aztech's quad speed CD ROM drive, stereo amplified speakers and a complete selection of eight hot titles and multimedia software, such as Microsoft Works and Microsoft Encarta. The Home Office quad kit allows you to perform a a variety of tasks easily at home, whether preparing a business document or to simply enrich your knowledge.

The Home Office Quad is expected to ship by Q2, 1995 and priced at SRP $459.

About Aztech Systems

Based in Singapore, Aztech is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a full range of multimedia solutions for the desktop. According to a recent Dataquest report published this year, Aztech is the second largest supplier of sound boards worldwide, holding a 25% share of this market. Aztech is also the leader in the CD-ROM drive business, and is acclaimed by several awards and recommendations from major publications worldwide. The company is dedicated to making multimedia more accessible to the masses by bringing competitive, high-quality multimedia solutions to the marketplace.

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CONTACT: Aztech Labs Inc.

Danya Bahous, 510/623-8988