Zapex Research Z1011 Encoder Inside Convision S1 Embedded MPEG/JPEG Security System; Z1011's Superior Quality Image and Flexible Feature Set Key Factors in Selection.

Business/High-Tech Editors

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2000

Zapex Research LTD, the quality-performance leader in digital encoding, announced that their Z1011 MPEG encoder chip is the key component of the embedded MPEG and JPEG video security surveillance system, developed by Convision Technology and introduced to the market as Convision's S1.

"Convision Technology came to us in need of a low bit-rate MPEG encoder with superior image performance," said Olivier Schiffmann, Zapex Research vice president of marketing and sales. "The Z1011 video encoder's wide range of output bitrates gives Convision Technology greater flexibility in storage. They needed to encode multi-channel video streams in MPEG format. We helped them design an embedded system with feature sets that improve the reliability and performance of their Convision S1 security surveillance system."

Frank Poelzl, Convision Technology's president said, "Superior image quality and low-bit rate transmission ease proved to be an extremely cost-effective combination. Zapex Research's strong emphasis on pre-filtering, and its effect on image quality when using the Z1011 immediately impressed us. Features like rapid scene change detection add a considerable degree of quality assurance to our system. They were very responsive to our design team and provided a very cost-effective solution."

The Z1011 encoder chip was developed by Zapex Research. It is manufactured by Winbond's foundry facilities in Taiwan and marked as the W99200F encoder chip.

Frank Poelzl continued, "We envisioned the Convision S1 as an embedded sub-system that would have to encode video streams from low-light digital cameras and then work with our video web server technology in multiple streams. The range of compression samples they showed, plus the superior image quality of the Z1011 video encoder impressed us immediately. Because we wanted to use CeBIT to announce the product, we were on a very tight production schedule. Zapex Research's strong experience in helping their customers port their encoders to applications like ours was extremely helpful. Their superior customer support is commendable. We cost-effectively hit our manufacturing windows and can offer a superior system at a good margin and preferred price as a result of our effective work with Zapex Research."

Schiffmann concluded, "Our product development team worked very closely with theirs to insure they hit their aggressive manufacturing window. Since it is an embedded application, we feel strongly that Convision Technology has a broad range of potential customers who can incorporate this sub-system into their products."

About Zapex Research LTD

Zapex Research LTD develops highly integrated digital video chips. Zapex Research's advanced VLSI solutions are focused on consumer video products including DVD, VCD, and HDTV. In addition to chip products, Zapex Research's leading edge technology can be licensed for direct use. Zapex Research is headquartered in Natanya, Israel with offices in Silicon Valley and Japan. Zapex can be reached at 650/930-1410, on the World Wide Web at http://www.zapex.co.il/, or email at [e-mail].

About Convision Technology GmbH

Convision Technology GmbH develops and markets embedded video web servers for the security surveillance market and the streaming webcam market. The system supports ISDN, LAN and GSM based on Internet technologies. Convision Technology is headquartered in Braunschweig, Germany with a branch office in Palma, Spain. Convision can be reached at [phone], on the World Wide Web at http://www.convision.de or by e-mail at [e-mail].

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