NxtWave's Research Into Digital Television Reception Leads to Advances in ``Smart Antenna'' Technology; Users Will No Longer Need to Manually Adjust Antennas.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

LANGHORNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2002

Engineers at NxtWave Communications, a leading developer of integrated circuits for digital television and related applications, have developed new technology designed to improve the terrestrial (over-the-air) reception for digital televisions using the 8-VSB ATSC standard.

Building on existing "smart antenna" standards and related concepts, NxtWave's Nxtenna technology improves reception and simplifies end-consumer viewing.

Using NxtWave's third-generation demodulator technology, embedded into the NxtWave NXT2005 product line, the new system is designed to work with antennas conforming to the EIA/CEA-909 standard. The Nxtenna technology electronically scans for the optimal digital signal and configures the now "smart" antenna.

An additional benefit is the ability to utilize a 360-degree reception zone, which eliminates the need for viewers to manually adjust the antenna.

"'Smart Antenna' technology has been discussed and debated for some time," said Mike Gittings, NxtWave director of worldwide marketing. "No one has developed a commercially viable antenna system that reconfigures itself using digital demodulation technology like our Nxtenna system."

Reception quality is vital to the success of digital television. Last year, NxtWave Communications was heavily involved in working with the American Television Standards Committee (ATSC) to re-affirm the 8-VSB digital broadcasting standard.

Realizing that the transmission standard is just half of the digital television equation, NxtWave is always looking at and developing new ways to help enhance the other half of that equation -- reception. The Nxtenna technology is a natural progression of that research.

"Even as we celebrate the increasing number of cable companies providing high-definition television (HDTV) content and applaud the leading role in HD played by home satellite providers, antennas remain a critical way for millions of consumers to experience the almost three-dimensional picture quality and digital surround sound that HDTV can bring," said Consumer Electronics Association president and CEO, Gary Shapiro.

"Advances in antenna design that seamlessly improve over-the-air reception and improve ease-of-use for consumers go a long way toward driving the DTV transition."

"We're not antenna manufacturers, but we're excited about the strong response the Nxtenna concept has received from those who are," Gittings said. "This technology has enormous potential to change and significantly improve digital television reception in a variety of applications."

About NxtWave Communications Inc.

NxtWave Communications offers the highest performing integrated circuit solutions satisfying the requirements of manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, digital TVs, PC TVs and other broadband appliances through the company's efficient and robust modulation and demodulation techniques.

NxtWave's products provide error-free digital reception, even with severe signal impairments commonly present in cable and terrestrial broadcast systems. The company's exclusive technology gives manufacturing customers and consumers significant cost and performance advantages.

NxtWave Communications is a privately held digital broadband communications company, with headquarters at One Summit Square, Rt. 413 & Doublewoods Road, Langhorne, Pa., 19047, with worldwide sales headquarters at 6 Venture, Suite 350, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For additional information visit www.nxtwavecomm.com.