VBOX Releases World's First All-in-One Home Theater PC In Time for the Holidays; HTPC Combines Intel Processor, DVD, MP3, Gaming, Internet Telephony for Under $1,000.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 1999--

VBOX, the leader in affordable, home convergence solutions has introduced the world's first Home Theater PC (HTPC).

The HTPC combines an Intel Celeron-powered PC with a 5X DVD player, an MP3 player, an Intel 810 chipset for top-flight graphics capabilities, a four-speaker surround-sound stereo system and a wireless keyboard and mouse.

The unit is available both in stores and on the Internet and sells for less than $900. With a manufacturer's rebate and an optional rebate from Microsoft Network, it totals less than $300, the price of an average stand-alone DVD. The HTPC connects to any television through RCA or S-Video inputs, eliminating the need for a monitor. In addition, the HTPC's network adapter makes it connectable to other PCs in the user's home and allows it to act as the server for the home network.

These features, combined with an after-rebate price point of $299.99 to $599.99 (depending on processor speed and hard drive size) puts the latest convergence technology within reach of the average consumer.

"Up until now, it was supposed to be impossible to make a convergence unit that combines all the features of a home entertainment system with a top-flight computer at a price the average family can afford," said Daniel Cho, director of sales and marketing for VBOX.

"But with the Home Theater PC, for under $600, you can watch movies, download and listen to MP3 songs, play your favorite video games and surf the Internet all with one box. It's got something for every member of the family. We think that the HTPC will be for the next decade what the radio was for the 1920s."

The VBOX Home Theater PC features:

--   A 5X DVD player enabling faster load times for features like next
     chapter.

--   Built-in Gamut MP3 player with seven listening modes of surround
     sound: vocal, bass, voice, rock-n-roll, hall, soft listening

--   HTPC 4.1 Surround Sound Speakers (4 speakers and 1 subwoofer)

--   Intel 810 chipset 3D AGP Graphic Accelerator

--   Capcom Coin-Op Classic Bundle Pack featuring 14 classic Capcom
     video games including Street Fighter II.

--   MediaRing I-Phone software. When connected to the Internet, this
     software allows users to call anyone in the world who also has
     the software by plugging a standard phone into the back of the
     HTPC.

--   Intel Celeron processor, 400-500 MHz

--   Windows '98

--   Corel WordPerfect Suite 8

--   HTPC wireless RF keyboard and mouse.

--   10/100M PCI Ethernet adapter

The Home Theater PC is available nationally at CompUSA, Fred Myers and through the Home Shopping Network. In addition, it can be ordered online from TigerDirect and Buy.com. VARS and resellers can also purchase the product through Ingram Micro and PC Wholesale, Avatar's channel partners.

Through alliances with these national outlets, and other leading electronics companies like Intel, AMD, Microsoft and Samsung, VBOX has pioneered an affordable, convergent solution for the home computing and entertainment needs of the average user.

About VBOX

Avatar Technology, Inc. manufactures the VBOX line of computer systems, which includes the original VBOX and the Home Theater PC, the world's first home theater personal computer. Headquartered in City of Industry, Calif., Avatar Technology, Inc. was founded in April 1999 through a strategic alliance between a leading memory manufacturer, and the largest motherboard manufacturer worldwide. VBOX computers feature Intel and AMD processors. For more information, visit www.v4me.com.