Diamond Multimedia ships the first K56FLEX modems for Macintosh Computers.VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1997-- - SupraExpress 56 With K56flex Technology Delivers Fast, Easy Internet Access See how to access the Internet. for Mac Users - Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: DIMD DIMD Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary ), a leader in Internet multimedia, today announced the availability of the SupraExpress(TM) 56e, an analog external modem A self-contained modem that is connected via cable to the serial port of a computer. It draws power from a wall outlet. The advantage of an external modem is that a series of status lights on the outside of the case display the changing states of the modem (off-hook, carrier detect, designed exclusively for the Macintosh and capable of data download speeds of up to 56,000 bits per second (bps). SupraExpress 56 modems incorporate Rockwell and Lucent's new K56flex technology, which is endorsed by Ascend Communications and Cisco Systems “Cisco” redirects here. For other uses, see Cisco (disambiguation). Cisco System,Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO, HKSE: 4333 ) is an American multinational corporation with 54,000 employees and annual revenue of US $28.48 billion as of 2006. , as well as by over 300 Internet Service Providers Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (ISPs). In addition, the SupraExpress 56e Mac modem is designed with flash memory, making upgrades to the latest firmware improvements virtually effortless. With an estimated retail price of $189.95 (U.S.), the external SupraExpress 56e is available through leading retail stores including CompUSA, Computer City, Fry's Electronics Fry's Electronics is a specialty retailer of software, consumer electronics, computer hardware and household appliances with a chain of superstores headquartered in Silicon Valley. Starting with one store located in Sunnyvale, California, USA, the chain now boasts sales of $2. and Micro Center, as well as through Diamond Multimedia's commercial distribution partners including Ingram Micro Ingram Micro, Inc. NYSE: IM a Fortune 100 company founded in 1979 and based in Santa Ana, California. It is the world’s largest technology distributor and a leading technology sales, marketing and logistics company. , Tech Data, SED (1) (Stream EDitor) A Unix text editor that processes an entire file. It is the stream-oriented version of ed, an earlier text editor. Sed executes ed commands, but instead of editing one line at a time, sed applies the commands to the whole file. and Synnex. The product will also soon be featured in mail-order catalogues throughout North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , including Mac Warehouse, Mac Zone, Mac Connection and Creative Computer. The SupraExpress 56e Mac modem will be available later in Europe, pending completion of various localized designs and individual country approvals. Macintosh speakerphone versions are expected to ship to the North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. market before the end of April. "Diamond Multimedia is committed to the Mac modem market and continues to be early to market with new technology - 33.6 Kbps, V.80 video phone-ready, and now, the first K56flex modem," said James Cutburth, vice president of marketing for Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "SupraExpress 56e Mac modems will allow Internet-savvy Macintosh consumers to receive graphics-intensive data reliably from the World Wide Web at up to almost twice the speed of 28,800 bps modems." Designed For 56,000 bps The SupraExpress 56e Mac modems are designed by Diamond Multimedia specifically to be easily upgradeable over the Internet with the newest firmware revisions incorporating the latest in K56flex algorithm improvements. SupraExpress 56e Mac modems include Flash ROM Another term for flash memory. Since flash chips can be updated over and over, the ROM (read only) designation is somewhat misleading. "ROM" is used more to mean not volatile than not changeable. See flash memory. Flash ROM - Flash Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory upgradeability, static RAM A fast memory technology that requires power to hold its content. Static RAM (SRAM, S-RAM) is used for high-speed registers, caches and relatively small memory banks such as a frame buffer on a display adapter. for accelerated processing, high-speed data line drivers for up to 230 Kbps throughput, and a new phone line interface for clear signal reception. "We designed the SupraExpress 56e modem to give Mac users easy, online access to the latest innovations in high-speed K56flex technology, which we believe is the emerging defacto 56,000 bps modem standard supported by most major industry players," said Jim Cady, vice president and general manager for Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "Our engineers worked closely with their counterparts at Rockwell's Multimedia Communications Division to design this modem from the ground up. Our twin objectives were to achieve easy online upgradeability and to optimize K56flex performance, accommodating the complexity and speed of the 56,000 bps signal. And since Rockwell and Ascend have the majority of the modem connection ports in the Internet Service Provider market, we believe Diamond Multimedia's customers will have the best ISP (1) See in-system programmable. (2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. support today and in the future. Unlike x2 technology, which is today limited to 53 Kbps by FCC (1) (Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC, www.fcc.gov) The U.S. government agency that regulates interstate and international communications including wire, cable, radio, TV and satellite. The FCC was created under the U.S. regulations for line voltage, Diamond Multimedia's SupraExpress 56e modems can operate at up to a full 56 Kbps without exceeding FCC voltage regulations." Customer Satisfaction Program The U.S. digital switched telephone network infrastructure is still undergoing development, deployment and improvement. Actual performance of 56 Kbps modems are expected to vary depending on telephone network conditions, including geographic location of a specific call, network quality and line noise at the time of the call, and the path or route assigned to the call. Since digital network technology may require new firmware releases and additional support over and above V.34 (33,600 bps) technology to achieve full performance, Diamond Multimedia has established the "Supra A relational DBMS from Cincom Systems, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (www.cincom.com) that runs on IBM mainframes and VAXs. It includes a query language and a program that automates the database design process. 56 Satisfaction" program for those customers who experience difficulties due to their particular telephone network conditions and call routing. For example, SupraExpress 56e Mac modems will soon ship with "The Diamond Channel" client software. Based on new Internet See Web 2.0 and Internet2. "push" technology from BackWeb Technologies, Inc., "The Diamond Channel" uses "background bandwidth" available on the Internet to automatically provide subscribers with the latest updates. "Diamond Multimedia's firmware engineers are continuously working to advance SupraExpress 56 modem performance under various network configurations," said Jeff Orr, product line manager for Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "By working with BackWeb and establishing The Diamond Channel, Diamond Multimedia will be among the first of the major Internet multimedia suppliers to incorporate World Wide Web 'push' technology into our Mac modem products, giving our Mac customers automatic downloading and easy installation of all our latest firmware innovations and algorithm improvements." The Diamond Channel Mac OS client software will also be available for download from Diamond Multimedia's web site at www.diamondmm.com as soon as the BackWeb Mac OS client is released. Customers may sign up for e-mail notification of the Mac OS client through Diamond's web site or at http://www.backweb.com . Customers can also participate in SupraExpress 56 customer support chat sessions, access a knowledge base of modem information and problem resolutions, and review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) at www.diamondmm.com . In addition, Diamond Multimedia offers world class technical support via telephone, electronic mail, fax-on-demand, BBS (1) (Bulletin Board System) A computer system used as an information source and forum for a particular interest group. They were widely used in the U.S. , TDD/TTY and FTP FTP in full file transfer protocol Internet protocol that allows a computer to send files to or receive files from another computer. Like many Internet resources, FTP works by means of a client-server architecture; the user runs client software to connect to . Each new SupraExpress 56e Mac modem is shipping with a CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). that contains Diamond Multimedia's Supra Faxcilitate(TM) software (including Supra VoiceMail Supra VoiceMail was an application program that was bundled with voice modem sold underer the Supra and Diamond Multimedia brands. Supra VoiceMail allowed owners of Macintosh computers the ability to store messages on their computers and use their computers as message centers. (TM); MicroPhone(TM) LT data communications data communications, application of telecommunications technology to the problem of transmitting data, especially to, from, or between computers. In popular usage, it is said that data communications make it possible for one computer to "talk" with another. software; VDONet's VDOLive(TM) video browser; a trial version of Warcraft II; and a variety of Internet access software, including Internet Explorer(TM) from Microsoft(TM) and NetCom's NetComplete(TM) with Netscape Navigator(TM). The new SupraExpress 56e modems also feature V.80, the ITU's standard for video phone-ready modems. V.80 is the application interface that defines how video software runs on modems. Wide Industry Support Diamond Multimedia is a charter member of the Open 56K Forum, an industry-wide coalition founded by twenty-seven leaders from key segments of the communications and computer industries, and dedicated to achieving widespread implementation of 56,000 bps modem technology. The chief aim of the Open 56K Forum is to gain support for a 56,000 bps modem protocol that will ensure interoperability across brands, providing an immediate end-to-end solution for faster data transmission. Diamond Multimedia intends to support the Open 56K Forum by providing field trial K56flex 56,000 bps modems to member Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Founding participants include industry leaders such as Ascend, BBN (BBN Technologies, Cambridge, MA, www.bbn.com) A consulting firm that participated in the development of some of the most extensive networks in the world, including ARPANET, which evolved into the Internet. It was founded in 1948 as a consulting service in acoustics by Dr. , Bay Networks, Cascade, Cisco, Compaq, Diamond Multimedia, Epoch Networks, Hewlett-Packard, Lucent, Motorola, PSINet, Rockwell, Shiva, Toshiba, U.S. West, UUNet and Xircom. Initial field trials of the K56flex protocol are being conducted in cities that include Albany, NY; Herndon, VA; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Palo Alto, CA; San Francisco; Seattle; Chicago; Atlanta; Norfolk, VA; Cincinnati, and Irvine, CA by ISPs that include BBN, Epoch Networks, PSINet and UUNet using Ascend WAN access concentrators incorporating K56flex technology. Currently more than 300 ISPs including CompuServe, Netcom, Earthlink Network and Prodigy have committed to offer K56flex to their customers, with additional ISPs expected to sign up soon. Further information is available at http://www.open56k.org . Diamond Multimedia Diamond Multimedia is driving the Internet multimedia market by providing interactivity and connectivity solutions for home, business and professional desktop computer users, enabling them to create, access and experience compelling new media content from their desktops and through the Internet. Diamond accelerates multimedia from the Internet to the hard drive with products that include the Stealth series of media accelerators, the Monster series of entertainment 3D and sound accelerators, the Fire series of professional 3D and SCSI SCSI in full Small Computer System Interface Once common standard for connecting peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, etc.) to small and medium-sized computers. SCSI has given way to faster standards, such as Firewire and USB. accelerators, and the Supra(R) series of modems and ISDN adapters. Diamond also markets multimedia and video phone upgrade kits. Headquartered in San Jose, CA, Diamond has sales, marketing and technical support facilities in Vancouver (Wash.), Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, Starnberg (Germany) and Winnersh (U.K.). Diamond's products are sold through local and international distributors as well as directly to major retailers, VARs and OEMs worldwide. Diamond's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market Nasdaq stock market The first electronic stock market listing over 5000 companies. The Nasdaq stock market comprises two separate markets, namely the Nasdaq National Market, which trades large, active securities and the Nasdaq Smallcap Market that trades emerging growth companies. under the symbol DIMD. How to Contact Diamond Multimedia There are many ways to reach Diamond for sales support, technical assistance, driver updates and general information: -- Internet Web Site: http://www.diamondmm.com -- Diamond Multimedia's Headquarters and Visual Systems Division: 408-325-7000; Fax: 408-325-7070 -- Communications Division (Supra brand modems) Main Phone Number: 360-604-1400; Fax: 360-604-1401 -- European Division (Germany): +49-8151-266-0; (UK): +44-1189-444400; (France) +33-1-47561157 -- Korean Office (Seoul): +82-2-551-2700; Fax: +82-2-551-2710 -- Japanese Office (Tokyo): +81-3-5695-8401; Fax: +81-3-5695-8403 -- ASEAN ASEAN: see Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN in full Association of Southeast Asian Nations International organization established by the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in Office (Singapore): +65-353-9511; Fax: +65-353-9510 -- Hong Kong Office: +852-2375-9023; Fax: +852-2375-9021 -- Support Information Line for Communications: 1-800-774-4965 -- Product Support (Voice), Visual Systems: 408-325-7100; Communications: 541-967-2450; Europe (Germany) +49- 8151-266-330; Europe (UK) +44-1189-444444; ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. Support Center 408-325-7110; Fire GL Support Center 408-325-7120; TDD/TTY Support 541-967-2451 -- Product Support (Fax), Visual Systems: 408-325-7171; Communications: 541-967-2401; Europe (Germany) +49- 8151-266-331; Europe (UK): +44-1189-444445; (France) +33-1-47561139 -- Pre-sales Information, Visual Systems: 1-800-468-5846; Communications: 1-800-727-8772 -- Investor Relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. : 408-325-7476; Fax-On-Demand: 1-800-346-3329; International Fax-On-Demand: 201-433-1778 -- 24-Hour Fax-On-Demand Service, Visual Systems: 1-800-380-0030; Communications: 541-967-0072 -- FTP sites: ftp.diamondmm.com; or Supra: ftp.supra.com --BBS for Visual Systems 408-325-7080 (to 14.4 Kbps) or 408-325-7175 (to 28.8 Kbps) or 408-383-0551 (ISDN); Communications BBS: 541-967-2444; Europe (Germany) BBS at +49-8151-266333 (to 28.8 Kbps) or +49-8151-266334 (ISDN); Europe (UK) at +44-1189-444415 -0- Monster 3D and Supra are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the service mark, trademark or registered trademark of their respective manufacturers. This announcement relates to products whose launch are in the United States of America UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The name of this country. The United States, now thirty-one in number, are Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, . The product names contents, prices and availability may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, such as statements relating to the company's ability to successfully exploit technological and market developments, the timing and success of new product introductions by the company and its competitors, and the company's ability to invest in new technologies and to enhance its existing systems are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing and alternative technological advances, the timely and successful development and market acceptance of new products and upgrades to existing products, and other risks as detailed from time to time in Diamond Multimedia's SEC filings, including its most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Furthermore, the SupraExpress 56 line of high-speed modems are designed to be capable of 56,000 bps data download speeds. Since the technology incorporated in K56flex-based modems is new and subject to future development and improvement, SupraExpress 56 modems may need firmware upgrades, planned to be available on-line from Diamond Multimedia BBS and Web site services, to achieve full connectivity potential. CONTACT: Editorial contact: Diamond Multimedia Communications Division Tamara Hanna, 360/604-1469, tamara@supra.com or Faiola Davis Public Relations public relations, activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most Norma Velvikis/Sara Faiola 213/933-4959 fdpr1@aol.com |
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