NEC Technologies Flattens CRT Monitors With new Professional Series; MultiSync FP Series Provides Superior Image Clarity, Reduced Glare.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1998--Sophisticated graphics users now have the perfectly flat monitor surface they've been looking for thanks to the new MultiSync(R) Flat Professional Series monitors announced here today by NEC Technologies, Inc.

The MultiSync FP Series will include both the 19-inch (18-inch viewable image size) MultiSync FP950 monitor and the 22-inch (20-inch VIS) MultiSync FP1350 monitor, both of which give users noticeably improved image quality over current flat square and aperture grille CRT monitors.

With the MultiSync FP Series, what users see is really what they get. With screens as flat as a sheet of paper, these monitors are built around a new flat aperture grille CRT that provides unparalleled image quality, accuracy and precision control.

Furthermore, enhancements to the MultiSync FP Series monitors are more than screen deep. These latest offerings from NEC Technologies incorporate patented advanced image controls utilizing a digital signal processing control method that allows users unprecedented control over every inch of image surface.

Users also will find the MultiSync FP Series monitors are equipped with two-way USB communication, NEC Technologies' own GlobalSync(TM) technology and a dynamic moire canceller circuit, making it the perfect choice for users who need the highest level of image quality and control possible in their monitors.

"By incorporating a flat CRT into its award-winning MultiSync Professional Series monitors, NEC Technologies is able to give high-end graphics users such as designers, architects, publishers and programmers the level of image control and quality they've always wanted," said Andres Maldonado, senior product manager for the Personal Display Division. "These new monitors are just another example of how NEC Technologies continues to set the technology standard for the industry."

Flat As Far The Eye Can See

The benefits of this new flat aperture grille CRT are immediately clear: Image quality is improved, geometric distortion is reduced and glare is minimized.

Both the MultiSync FP950 and the MultiSync FP1350 monitors offer users a variable .25mm-.27mm grille pitch for true-to-life images and crisp, clear text. The flat CRT also provides even the most image-concious user with excellent brightness and contrast as well as good color uniformity throughout the screen.

To further support the advance in screen technology, NEC Technologies has given the MultiSync FP950 a horizontal scan range of 31-110kHz and a vertical scan range of 55-160Hz, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1440 at 76Hz. The recommended resolution for the monitor is 1280 x 1024 at 85Hz. The MultiSync FP1350 features a horizontal scan range of 31-115kHz and a vertical scan range of 55-160Hz. The recommended resolution for this monitor is 1600 x 1200 at 85Hz, but it is capable of reaching a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1440 at 76Hz.

Both monitors take advantage of a shorter cabinet design, thereby giving users more screen size as well as more desktop space. The MultiSync FP950 carries the same footprint as previous NEC Technologies 17-inch Professional Series models and the MultiSync FP1350 monitor's footprint matches that of many 20- and 21-inch monitors.

USB Communication Channel

The USB communication channel allows the user to make a wide variety of adjustments using the up-front controls via an easy-to-use software interface. The interactive monitor controls appear on the monitor image and can be manipulated by the mouse and keyboard just like other control applications. These settings can also be saved for additional users. Therefore, depending on the user, personal settings can be saved and recalled for future use.

Definitely Digital

Until now, it has been virtually impossible for flat CRT monitors to be introduced due to the image distortion associated with this type of technology. NEC Technologies is able to overcome this problem through the implementation of a new patented system called the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) control system, which allows for one of the lowest image distortion specifications in the industry.

The new DSP system corrects monitor image quality by allowing for adjustment of the CRT's electronic beam from the center all the way to the perimeter, thereby producing a consistently sharp, focused image across the entire CRT surface.

Additionally, the DSP circuit allows for additional manipulation of the CRT's three electronic gun beams (red, green and blue) on the manufacturing line. This results in monitors with the best possible edge-to-edge convergence and settings that can be saved for use with different types of resolutions or input signals.

Due to the DSP, the user no longer needs to adjust the horizontal and vertical size and position controls separately. Now, by selecting the Auto Size control in the OSM(TM) (On-Screen Manager) these image size and position adjustments are automatically maximized for the signal being supplied from the PC.

The DSP also enables the MultiSync FP Series to incorporate a Dynamic Moire Canceller, which allows the user to apply different moire cancellation values to specific regions of the screen, eeffectively removing all distortions of this type.

Previously, the moire canceller could only adjust the monitor image as a whole. The drawback was that in fixing distortion in one section of their screen, users often caused additional distortions in other sections. The Dynamic Moire Canceller allows them to strictly address the distorted section, leaving the rest of the image intact.

Finally, the DSP system provides the user with a smoother image. This is accomplished by reducing the "noise" generated by the signal running between the system and monitor.

MultiSync Quality

In keeping with NEC Technologies' tradition of monitor excellence, the MultiSync FP Series has several additional monitor features.

For those in need of increased connectivity, the MultiSync FP Series gives them USB two-way communication with the PC sytem. The monitors are also equipped with NEC Technologies' GlobalSync(TM) feature, which allows the monitor to automatically adjust to the earth's magnetic fields from anywhere in the world.

And, as always, the MultiSync FP Series are FCC Class B, MPR-II, Energy Star and TCO'99 compliant for reduced energy consumption, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.

Shipping and Availability

The MultiSync FP950 and the MultiSync FP1350 will be available to consumers in January 1999 with exact suggested retail prices announced closer to the ship date. As with all NEC Technologies monitors, the MultiSync FP Series carry a competitive 3-year warranty.

NEC Technologies, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals and other technology products for the North American market. Award-winning product lines include the Multi-Sync(R) CRT and LCD desktop and presentation monitors, MultiSync portable LCD projectors and fixed-installation CRT projectors, SuperScript(TM) printers and Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). NEC Technologies, Inc. is an affiliate of NEC Corporation. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling 800/NEC-INFO.