Bandai Digital Entertainment sets plans for Ethernet connection on Pippin @World.

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 1997--

Heralds move to business applications for Internet/TV and CD-ROM

appliance

Bandai Digital Entertainment (BDE) Wednesday announced plans to increase the Pippin @World's versatility for a wide range of markets that include corporate Intranets by adding Ethernet connectivity.

Pippin @World units with added Ethernet connectivity were successfully tested in corporate applications, and over the past three months serious negotiations started with several large-volume purchasers. Engineering tests with customers in the hospitality, education and other markets demonstrate the Pippin @World's viability for a wide range of high-speed Internet services, including corporate Intranets.

"Bandai Digital Entertainment sees extraordinary promise in these vertical markets for the Pippin @World," said Toyo Okada, senior vice president of BDE. "We have received positive reinforcement from customers in several different markets that the Pippin @World is a viable solution for their networking needs around a low-cost yet versatile solution for a powerful, flexible `thin client'."

The one-inch high Ethernet docking station with an integrated network interface card connects to the @World PCI expansion port beneath the unit. Using RJ 45 connections for 10 Base-T transfers at 10 megabits per second, the BDE Ethernet dock meets accepted standards for Ethernet connectivity used on corporate LANs.

A wide range of corporate departments want the versatility of a multimedia-enabled net surfing device to handle routine e-mail, previewing of CD-ROMs such as those used in training and surfing the World Wide Web without all the overhead of a full-function computer.

"At $695 or less per device (depends on volume ordered) with the Ethernet docking station and keyboard, the Pippin @World is among the most competitive Internet-enabling, multimedia consoles available," Okada said. "Enabling software is on the same CD-ROM with the browser, making it easy for corporate users to connect to their LAN and Intranet or jump out to the Internet for Web surfing and sending or receiving E-mail."

According to Okada, the Ethernet docking station is expected by mid-year at $139 each in 100-unit quantities.

Pippin @World and @World Browser CD-ROM Advantages

With the Pippin @World's internal CD-ROM drive and the CD-ROM-based World Browser, corporate users are also presented with many upgrade paths. For example, emerging browser technology can easily be provided to users simply by adding content to a new CD-ROM.

Installation of a Pippin @World in a corporate environment is quick. Users simply connect the compact Ethernet-enabled Pippin @World to an existing VGA monitor or TV set and load the CD-ROM. All configuration software is on the CD-ROM, so users are shielded from the complexities of Internet set-up, Ethernet configurations or viruses.

Feature-Rich Browser Design

In addition, the Pippin @World's hardware is specifically designed to make static text look crystal clear and "flicker free" on NTSC TV sets. The browser, based on the Spyglass Software Client Software Development Kit (SDK), is optimized to sharpen color management.

Features such as QuickTime, RealAudio, Chat and Shockwave are built-in, letting users exploit the full potential of the Web while using the Pippin @World. The @World Browser is HTML 3.2 compatible, providing tables and frames. BDE's browser also supports GIF 89a animation.

More About Pippin @World

Jointly developed with Apple Computer, the Pippin @World is based on Apple Power Macintosh technology to provide a complete Internet experience in a plug and play configuration. The Pippin @World is equipped with expansion ports to ensure that the machine can remain state-of-the-art. The PCI compatible port also allows an optional floppy drive for additional local storage when the Ethernet docking station is removed.

An available 64-button keyboard provides easy use for browsing the Internet and composing E-mail. The ergonomic hand-held controller supplements the keyboard, allowing simple navigation of the browser and screen panning. In addition, the @World Browser features easy-to-use controller assistance by providing an on-screen diagram of the hand-held controller and identifies each button's function.

Founded in October of 1995, Bandai Digital Entertainment is a new media company dedicated to producing interactive entertainment and educational multimedia products. The Bandai Digital Entertainment product line consists of Windows and Macintosh software titles, the @World Internet/TV and CD-ROM appliance and online content for the @World environment.

Bandai Digital Entertainment's U.S. headquarters is located at 5551 Katella Ave., Cypress, Calif. 90630. The company can be reached at 714/816-9700. Further product information can be obtained through BDE's Web site at http://www.atworld.net or by sending an E-mail to [e-mail] .

NOTE TO EDITORS: Pippin is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. @World is a registered trademark of Bandai Digital Entertainment Corp. All other brands and/or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Bandai Digital Entertainment Corp.

Scott Zafran, 714/816-9735

or

Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart

Jerry Kalman/Andrea Mahoney

310/996-0545, 310/996-0656