Pace Unveils Future of Digital TV on the Strength of Its Home Networking Technology at IBC 2000.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

IBC 2000

September 7-12, 2000, Hall 1 Stand 430

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2000

Pace Micro Technology will unveil the future of digital TV at IBC 2000, as its pioneering home networking technology is demonstrated for the first time.

Pace is evolving the set-top box as a gateway to create the networked home, where consumer devices and services interact with each other and the outside world. Pace will show the world's first demonstration of its latest home networking technologies, the Gateway Expander, pcConnect and tvConnect. The Gateway Expander will extend the reach of the home gateway to all corners of the household, enabling two-way communication from the broadband network external to the home, to peripheral electronic devices connected internally to the home network.

One of the first devices to be connected via the home gateway will be the PC. As demonstrated for the first time at IBC, a wireless link from the Gateway Expander to Pace's pcConnect, will provide high-speed access to the internet via the home gateway's integrated cable, DSL or other broadband modem. Cont/2

The TV can also be wirelessly linked to Pace's Gateway Expander. Pace will demonstrate for the first time a prototype of its tvConnect technology. Pace is developing this technology to enable high-speed interactivity and Internet access between any secondary TV in the home and the service provider's network via the home gateway.

Pace is also developing a range of Interactive Display Devices (IDD) for the networked home. One of the first products in the range will be Pace's Shopping Mate. This hand-held device, linked wirelessly to the home gateway, enables consumers to shop from home. The latest developments in this technology will be demonstrated at IBC 2000. Initial research into the concept, has shown that the vast majority of consumers exposed to Pace's Shopping Mate, viewed it positively and could easily imagine using it.

In addition, Pace will also demonstrate its latest hard disk drive technology integrated into a digital home gateway. The latest technology can enable advanced personal video recorder functionality, new home shopping applications, and on demand services such as films.

Pace will also demonstrate its fastest-ever Digibox, with new metallic silver cosmetics and transparent blue front panel. A revolutionary high-speed ST5512 processor has been integrated into Pace's new Digibox. As a result, consumers can change channel and access SkyDigital's menus virtually seamlessly. It also enables faster interactive services and improved installation time.

Pace's latest Video over IP technology will be shown, in the form of the DSL4000. This DSL gateway is now in production for Kingston Communications' Interactive TV service in the UK, which has received international interest. At IBC, Pace will use the DSL4000 to demonstrate the delivery of video-on-demand (VOD), broadcast TV, and web browsing in one multimedia service.

In addition to these demonstrations, Pace is also proud to announce another "first," as launch partner for Yes Satellite Services' roll-out of Israel's first digital satellite TV service. This brings Pace's total number of launch partner broadcasters, worldwide to 26.

Note to Editors

There will be the opportunity to speak to key Pace spokespeople about Pace's Home Networking technologies and other industry issues. Dr Paul Entwistle, Head of Technology and Andy Trott, Director of Technology and Strategic Development will deliver a conference paper on Home Networking on Monday 11th September.