Sage Launches Two Highly Optimized Mixed Signal Display Processors for the Flat Panel Market.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2001

s9000 and s9001 integrate ADC/PLL, scaler and LVDS transmitter

(s9001 only) to achieve optimal system cost for 15-inch LCD monitors

Sage Inc. (Nasdaq:SAGI), a leading provider of digital display processors for consumer technology and PC-display products, today announced two highly integrated mixed signal display controllers optimized for the cost sensitive XGA market. The s9000 (TTL interface) and the s9001 (LVDS interface) incorporate a proven ADC/PLL, scaler and LCD panel interface to provide an integrated solution for the conventional XGA LCD monitor market. These products are directly targeted at the high-volume 15-inch mass market, which continues to show significant growth. The s9000 and s9001 are currently sampling and will be in volume production in January in a line of flat panel monitors from a leading manufacturer.

According to DisplaySearch president Ross Young, "Although Sage has established early leadership in the SmartPanel/SmartIntegration market as evidenced by its high-volume SmartIntegration design win with Compal, it continues to address the conventional market with highly integrated products. The conventional approach to LCD monitor production is expected to account for 95% of LCD monitor production in Q4 2001, and Sage is addressing this segment with these new products."

"Sage's introduction of the s9000 and s9001 is a significant step on the path towards higher integration," said Chandra Reddy, CEO of Sage. "The addition of the LVDS feature helps our customers reduce cost. These new products show our continued focus on integrated controllers for mainstream, high-volume LCD monitor applications. With the existing SmartMonitor product family, Sage now has a complete range of products to address all high-volume segments in the LCD monitor marketplace."

The LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signal) interface is a preferred method of connecting the controller to an LCD panel, as it reduces costs and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Since EMI is a serious design issue in LCD monitors, the LVDS interface is used in the majority of high-resolution panels to reduce EMI levels. Several high-volume manufacturers of XGA panels and monitors prefer the LVDS interface for the same reasons.

In addition, the LVDS interface adds significant manufacturing flexibility in a high-volume, multi-location environment. A standard product can be developed and interfaced to a variety of panels. Individual production units can then decide on which panel to use for a manufacturing run.

Pricing and Availability:

Available in a 144-pin LQFP package, the s9000 and s9001 are both currently sampling and will be produced in volume quantities beginning January 2002. The s9001 is priced at $12.00 and the s9000 at $10.50, in 10K quantities.

About Sage:

Headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., Sage Inc. (Nasdaq:SAGI) is a leading provider of digital display processors, enabling superior picture quality for a variety of PC-display products and consumer technology ranging from web appliances to TVs and flat panel monitors. Leveraging Emmy award-winning Faroudja technology from its acquisition of Faroudja Inc., Sage is developing products that bring the home theater experience to the mass consumer and PC-display market through digitally enhanced television, projection displays, DVD players and internet appliances. The Company's systems-on-a-chip technology provides highly integrated mixed signal and system functionality with higher picture quality than lower-quality processors at a similar component cost. Sage's display processors, which include Faroudja digital video processors, are used by world-renowned consumer electronics manufacturers such as Compaq, Fujitsu, Hyundai, InFocus, LG, NEC, Philips, Samsung, Sanyo, Sony and Toshiba. More information about Sage can be found on its web site at www.sageinc.com; the Company may be contacted directly at 408/519-6500.

For a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ please see the publicly available SEC filings of Sage including its 10K for the year ended March 31, 2001 and particularly the discussion of risk factors within such documents.

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