NEC Technologies Introduces Merlin -- A Unique Video "Wizard" That Makes Using A Ready Computer Easy and Fun; Merlin Video Wizard, Multimedia Direct Links, Hand-Held Remote Control and Other Friendly Features Highlight Upcoming Ready Line of Multimedia PCs.MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 1996--NEC Technologies Inc. today announced Merlin, a unique video "wizard" that familiarizes people with Windows 95 and their Ready Multimedia PC. As entertaining as it is informative, Merlin is a dynamic, video-based character that talks directly to the person using the computer. This new video wizard explains the basic tools and commands of Windows 95 as well as the special multimedia features unique to Ready systems. Designed for people who are new to personal computers or Windows 95, Merlin is one of several new features that makes the next generation of richly configured Ready multimedia PCs even easier to learn and use. Merlin will be featured on the new Ready systems from NEC (NEC Corporation, Tokyo, www.nec.com, www.necus.com) An electronics conglomerate known in the U.S. for its monitors. In Japan, it had the lion's share of the PC market until the late 1990s (see PC 98). NEC was founded in Tokyo in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Ltd. that will be announced on Feb. 19. The NEC Merlin video wizard is a vast improvement over typical online help messages and dull tutorials. It appears directly on the desktop and shows the user exactly where to point and click to navigate through the new operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. . Additionally, it shows how the task bar works, what each of the Windows 95 icons contain and how to perform common computing tasks in the Windows 95 environnment. Merlin automatically appears when a Ready system is powered on for the first time. The 12-minute video can be played or stopped at any time, and restarted by selecting the Merlin icon on the NEC Windows 95 desktop. "Many people are intimidated by computers that are difficult to set up and use," said Murali Dharan, vice president of Consumer PCs at NEC technologies. "We've added a host of features to our new Ready line that makes these computers as easy to use as possible. "For example, Merlin introduces people to their new Ready PC and teaches them the basics of Windows 95 in an entertaining and non-threatening way. Merlin really makes the computer come alive." To help people get started with their new Ready system, Merlin also answers frequently asked questions and provides a step-by-step solution to common startup situations like connecting a printer, setting up the modem and loading new software. The New Ready Systems -- Even Easier to Set Up and Use Each new Ready system will include several unique features to make it easy to setup and use. These include: NEC Multimedia Direct Links Ready systems will feature Direct Links, graphical icons that are located on the NEC Windows 95 desktop that provide instant access to the Ready system's advanced multimedia features. Clicking on the appropriate icon activates the Audio, Video Player, Voice Control, Remote Control, Telephone/Fax/Messaging or NEC Ready Online Documents. Hand-Held Remote Control For convenience and fingertip fin·ger·tip n. The extreme end or tip of a finger. control, the hand-held remote control operates the Ready system's built-in telephone and audio functions. With the push of a button, consumers can activate their speakerphone, retrieve phone messages and control the 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). and sound system. Easy Setup For fast and easy setup, simple instructions and organized components are a must. To ensure this, Ready systems will include a four-color setup poster with easy-to-follow diagrams that show how to put the system together. Color-coded cables are another special feature that will continue to be included. Additionally, Ready systems will feature a custom-fitted Foam-Pak Accessory Kit that keeps all the hardware accessories, cables and software secure and organized for quick assembly. NEC Online Documents Ready online documentation is an expressway to information about the computer, information services See Information Systems. and help functions available. The online documentation "Road Map" also provides quick access to a System Tour, User's Guide, Product Information Center, Option Installation Center and a Support Center. It is an easy way to find easy routes to topics, tips and answers to questions. Ready Remote Online Technical Support In addition to a toll-free technical support line, Ready systems can be diagnosed over the telephone by a trained technician through the ReadyRemote technical support program. With the fax/modem connected and pre-installed software, a customer service technician can access or observe the computer in operation for a more complete and accurate diagnosis. Next Generation Ready Multimedia Personal Computers NEC Technologies continues to provide fully featured multimedia computers for family, home entertainment and home office use. The soon-to-be-unveiled Ready multimedia PCs will feature a wide range of configurations that include Pentium processors with speeds up to 166-MHz, 6X CD-ROM drives CD-ROM drives, which today typically means a CD-RW drive that is a combo CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW drive, come in a variety of speeds. The original drive (1x) transferred data at 150KB per second. , 2 GB hard drives, 28.8 Kbps modems, full-motion video Video transmission that changes the image 30 frames per second (30 fps). Motion pictures are run at 24 fps, which is the minimum frequency required to eliminate the perception of moving frames and make the images appear visually fluid to the eye. playback (MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) An ISO/ITU standard for compressing digital video. Pronounced "em-peg," it is the universal standard for digital terrestrial, cable and satellite TV, DVDs and digital video recorders (DVRs). ), 3-D wavetable A group of sampled sound waves used in MIDI. See wavetable synthesis and MIDI. (hardware, music) wavetable - A type of sound generator often built in a sound card. A wavetable contains digitised samples of real instrument sounds or effect (FX) sounds. surround sound An audio recording and playback system that uses five or more channels plus a subwoofer channel. See 5.1 channel and 3D audio. and a high-quality software bundle that includes Windows 95. Ready systems are designed for people who want a powerful, full-featured multimedia system that is ready to use right out of the box. The new systems will be available from leading national and regional retailers in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. and Canada. NEC Technologies Inc. Headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., NEC Technologies Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. market. Award-winning product lines include PowerMate and Ready systems products, RISC-based workstations and servers, Versa Versa Versatile System Architecture (Genrad) notebook computers A laptop computer that weighs in a range from five to seven pounds. The term originated when laptops were routinely more than 10 pounds, and those that became lighter were placed in a special "notebook" category. In practice, notebook computer and laptop computer are synonymous. , MultiSync monitors and professional presentation products, Silentwriter and SuperScript Any letter, digit or symbol that appears above the line. For example, 10 to the 9th power is written with the 9 in superscript (109). Contrast with subscript. printers, and MultiSpin CD-ROM Readers. NEC Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corp. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling 800/NEC-INFO. -0- NOTE TO EDITORS: Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corp. Windows 95 is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark owners. CONTACT: NEC Technologies Inc. Micael Wong, 415/528-5875 mwong@nectech.com http://www.nec.com/ |
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