Access to Innovative Technologies Through Pronto ++ Partners Will Allow OEMs To Introduce Multimedia Products Significantly Faster at a Lower Cost and Reduced Investment.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., September 24, 2002-Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) today announced several technology partnerships designed to further enhance the capability and flexibility of its digital multimedia reference platform, called Pronto ++ Software & Systems. Partnering with these companies will enable Philips and its original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver enhanced multimedia-based applications such as digital audio, video, pictures, and games, further enriching the digital lifestyle of consumers.

The Pronto++ Software & Systems platform consists of reference hardware, a complete stack of enabling software and multimedia services geared toward consumer simplicity and ease-of-use. The platform is powered by Intel® XScale™ technology based PXA250 processors-part of the Intel® Personal Internet Client Architecture-to help address many of the performance needs of today's wireless, handheld and consumer electronic market segments.

"By working with each of these technology partners in their respective fields, Philips is able to offer OEMs a powerful development environment for creating new products faster," said Ivo Lurvink, CEO, Philips Components' Emerging Electronic Solution group. "Imerge, Tao, and Intrinsyc bring unique and substantial knowledge, as well as highly innovative functionality to the Pronto ++ platform-ultimately allowing OEMs to create next-generation multimedia devices at a lower cost and reduced upfront investment."

Partnered technologies for the Pronto ++ Software & Systems platform announced today:

XiVA™ Media, from Imerge Ltd
This navigation and control application provides innovative music access. Consumers browse CD collections and view cover art, as well as track listings, artist information and band discography as music plays. XiVA™ also allows consumers to discover new music associated with their musical preferences and favorite artists, and enables new CD purchase.

Intent®, from Tao Group Limited
The intent product will be used to deliver gaming capability through its combination of rich multimedia and Java capabilities. Intent has advanced graphics, audio and video features, and the technology has been ratified as the standard of the Open Contents Platform Association in Japan. Its technology includes various Java specifications, including J2ME and MIDP, as well as PersonalJava.

Intrinsyc
Intrinsyc will assist Philips in creating a Pronto ++ Development Kit for OEM customers and partners, and will provide engineering support and application development tools for the entire platform. Intrinsyc has provided and will continue to provide Philips with Intrinsyc's Cerf™ PDA hardware, Turbo Boot™ and Cerf™ Works software to enable rapid time to market for OEM customers.

The Philips Pronto++ Software & Systems platform builds on the heritage of the company's acclaimed Pronto product line of advanced control technologies for complex and diverse multimedia entertainment systems.

Philips plans to unveil the first product using this unique platform at the CEDIA Expo, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from September 25–29. Editors interested in learning more about this new product or the company's entire suite of advanced remote control technology, or seeing a demonstration, may contact Stacey Voorhees at MCA via phone: +650/968-8900, ext. 108; email: svoorhees@mcapr.com; or visit Philips' booth #109.

Release date: September 2002 Press Release index

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CAMBRIDGE, UK and KENTUCKY, USA September 23rd 2002 – Elan Home Systems of Kentucky USA and Imerge Ltd of Cambridge UK today announced that Elan will launch the VIA!dj™ Digital Music Server at the CEDIA 2002 US show utilising XiVA™ middleware from Imerge Ltd.

XiVA™ is the middleware that powers the next-generation of Internet-connected Media Appliances and home networking products. Developed by Imerge, XiVA™ comprises software and hardware reference platforms to create a range of exciting home entertainment products including hard disk audio players, multi-room audio servers, AV Home Media centers, network audio receivers and A/V control applications. XiVA™ brings an extensive range of product solutions and technology licensing options to third party CE manufacturers, PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers.

The Elan VIA!dj™ is a digital audio storage and music management system with a 160 gigabyte hard drive that can store over 2,800 hours of music offering four discrete pairs of audio outputs – each one capable of independently playing any song from an entire music collection – instantly, from any room. Navigation is easy and intuitive using VIA!™ graphic touch panels which allow music to be selected by artist name, album title, song title, or genre with full display of cover art. It allows play back of any CD, play list, artist or genre either randomly or sequentially - all from a VIA!™ Touch Panel. VIA!dj™ graphics can also be viewed on any television in the home and controlled using the included hand-held remote control.

"We are delighted that Elan has chosen our XiVA™ technology for their VIA!dj™ Digital Music Server" said Steve Croft, Head of Technology Licensing at Imerge. "It stengthens our position as the leader in the media appliance technology licensing market, and puts XiVA™ as one of the most widely adopted technologies in the hard disk based audio and home networking sectors". He added "As the market expands for hard disk-based home entertainment systems, CE companies are looking to Imerge to help them stay on top of the market. Imerge offers advantages in terms of experience, proven technology, complete product solutions and time to market."

Bob Farinelli, President and Chief Executive Officer at Elan commented "XiVA™ has allowed us to bring a leading edge, fully featured audio server to market in a very short time frame. We are very proud to be one of the few companies that can now offer a complete turnkey solution including digital music server, audio distribution and control. The introduction of VIA!dj™ forms part of our strategy to be one of the highest quality providers of home entertainment systems in the rapidly developing multi-room and home networking markets"

Release date: September 2002 Press Release index

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CAMBRIDGE, UK and OSAKA, JAPAN September 23rd 2002 – Onkyo of Osaka JAPAN and Imerge Ltd of Cambridge UK today announced that digital distribution of audio around the home has become a reality with the new Integra NAS-2.3 Net-Tune server. The NAS-2.3 Net-Tune server uses XiVA™ technology and connects via Ethernet to Net-Tune equipped receivers or clients to provide a high quality A/V home networking solution.

Onkyo signed a XiVA™ partnership agreement in January 2002, with a view to expand into the digital home network market and to create high quality AV products and innovative home entertainment systems.

Steve Croft, Head of Technology Licensing at Imerge commented, "This establishes XiVA™ as the technology of choice for leading CE companies who want to get a fast track into the A/V media appliance and home networking market. This hard-disk server/client solution is what everyone has been waiting for. It has been a real privilege working with Integra to bring this innovative solution to market in a very short time frame. We see this as the start of a long and strategic relationship."

XiVA™ is the middleware that powers the next-generation of Internet-connected Media Appliances and home networking products. Developed by Imerge, XiVA™ comprises software, middleware and hardware reference platforms to create a range of exciting home entertainment products including hard disk audio players, multi-room audio servers, AV Home Media centers, network audio receivers and A/V control applications. XiVA™ brings an extensive range of product solutions and technology licensing options to third party CE manufacturers, PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers.

Eric Harper, Custom Installation Product Manager, Integra Division of Onkyo USA commented "The NAS-2.3 Net-Tune server is the center piece of the company's Net-Tune line of products, which unite the technologies of home computer networking and distributed home audio in a system that anyone can set up and use."

Release date: September 2002 Press Release index

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CAMBRIDGE, UK September 23rd 2002 - Meridian Audio Ltd and Imerge Ltd of Cambridge UK today announced that Meridian will unveil their new 880 Reference Music Server at the CEDIA US show in Minneapolis during 27th to 29th September. The 880 Reference server uses XiVA™ technology and supports Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) audio encoding as well as lossy compressed storage (i.e. MP3) for playback from the built in hard-disk drives.

Meridian signed an agreement in May 2002, with a view to using the market-leading XiVA™ technology in their Reference 800 Series.

Adrian Lucas, CEO of Imerge commented, "Meridian is one of the most prestigious A/V brands and a pioneer in the industry. We are delighted that Meridian has chosen our XiVA™ technology for their 880 Reference Server. This further enforces that XiVA™ is the technology of choice for leading A/V companies that want to become part of this rapidly expanding market."

XiVA™ is the middleware that powers the next-generation of Internet-connected Media Appliances and home networking products. Developed by Imerge, XiVA™ comprises software, middleware and hardware reference platforms to create a range of exciting home entertainment products including hard disk audio players, multi-room audio servers, AV Home Media centers, network audio receivers and A/V control applications. XiVA™ brings an extensive range of product solutions and technology licensing options to third party CE manufacturers, PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers.

Robert Stuart, Chairman and Technical Director, at Meridian commented "We have been following the growth in the multi-room A/V server market over the past few years, and XiVA™ was the obvious choice for our 880 Reference Server which offers an advanced feature set and unparalleled sound quality. In addition to lossy compressed audio recording and playback, the 880 Server supports our MLP lossless audio encoding format which delivers the highest possible sound quality and integrity in playback and storage of high quality audio."

Release date: September 2002 Press Release index

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Platform now includes Gracenote CDDB‚ Music Recognition Service

Imerge is incorporating Gracenote’s industry standard CDDB® music recognition technology into audio devices powered by XiVA™, its proprietary software that is rapidly becoming the de-facto standard in the high-quality sector of Internet-enabled Media Appliances. Gracenote’s flexible solutions deliver music recognition and related content to home, auto and portable devices.

Products powered by XiVA™ include those by leading manufacturers including Linn Products and Revox and Imerge’s own award winning SoundServer range. Marantz, the Onkyo division of Integra, Naim and Living Control will all launch products in the coming year.

XiVA™ comprises software and hardware reference platforms to create a range of exciting home entertainment products including hard disk audio players, multi-room audio servers and AV Home Media Centres. XiVA™ brings an extensive range of product solutions and technology licensing options to third party CE manufacturers, PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers. Gracenote’s revolutionary technology eliminates the need for users of these devices to manually input artist, album or song information in order to create a personal music database. Advanced services provide additional content such as album cover art, artist biographies and advanced playlist management.

"The ease-of-use and added benefits that Gracenote provides in the online world have created consumer demand for the same in consumer electronics devices," said David Hyman, CEO of Gracenote. "The solutions we developed are completely customisable to fit the needs of any manufacturer, product or end-user, and are helping to drive the next generation of off-line products."

Release date: May 2002 Press Release index

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Living Control, a leading UK-based innovator in multi-room entertainment products for the custom installation market, is pleased to announce the introduction of the MusicBox home server, utilising XiVA™ media appliance technology.

The MusicBox is a true convergence product, embodying all the convenience and utility of a computer, with the fidelity of a conventional hi fi system. It is a digital server, capable of delivering music, stored on its hard drive, instantly to anywhere in the home.

The Living Control "MusicBox" will allow users to store over 1290 hours of music on a built-in 80Gb hard disk and will facilitate playback of up to 3 independent streams of music simultaneously.

High quality audio has never been easier to enjoy or more accessible around the home. With MusicBox installed within a Living Control multi-room system, all the tracks stored on its hard-drive, from uploaded CDs, or downloaded Internet content, become available in any room at the touch of a button or screen. Mum, Dad and the kids can listen to three different tracks in three different rooms at the same time. MusicBox can be stored out of site, together with space-hungry CD storage systems.

Living Control’s founder Justin Lawrence commented "The custom install market is growing rapidly and hard disk based products such as those powered by XiVA™ are set to form an integral part of many new installations. XiVA™ is a powerful complement to our own advanced technologies and will enhance our reputation as a leader in the home automation field."

Robin Courtenay of Imerge said "Living Control was one of the first companies to recognise the potential of the multi-room installation market and its decision to use XiVA™ technology is an indication of the growing importance of hard disk appliances in this area."

MusicBox is a next generation home entertainment product, which delivers music instantly, wherever and whenever it is required in the home. No more gazing at racks of CDs to find that special track, and no more chance of loosing it. Music and home are liberated from the limitations of old technology. With Living Control’s Music Box, music knows no limits.

Release date: May 2002 Press Release index

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Naim, the UK based company specialising in high end audio products, has signed an agreement with Imerge for XiVA™, the technology that is fast becoming the de-facto standard for the next generation of consumer electronics products that are hard disk-based and Internet-enabled. Naim will produce a multi-zone capable hard-disk audio system powered by XiVA™.

According to Paul Stephenson of Naim, "XiVA™ technology offers the fast track to market that we need to create exciting new audiophile products that are Internet enabled and opens up a whole new market space and range of opportunities for our business."

XiVA™ technology comprises embedded software and hardware reference platforms that power the next generation of networked hard disk based Media Appliances. XiVA™ makes it easy to receive, record, store, access and manage vast amounts of digital A/V content using cost-effective, fast, hard disks as the primary storage medium. XiVA™ gives revolutionary multiple access to any piece of content, from any room in the house, at the same time and forms the heart of an entertainment-centric home network or home gateway application. A new Internet based entertainment service, XiVA-Net, is designed to work together with any XiVA™ powered media appliance to deliver personalised content direct to the user.

Steve Croft, Head of Technology Licensing at Imerge commented, "We are extremely proud to have Naim as our latest XiVA™ Partner and to have XiVA™ associated with such a high quality and reputable brand. We look forward to working with Naim on their next generation of audiophile products. "

Release date: May 2002 Press Release index

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Marantz, one of the leading manufacturers of premium AV products, has announced their intention to expand into the audio server market with an agreement to produce a hard disk based music server in partnership with Imerge.

Imerge's XiVA™ software, rapidly becoming the de-facto standard for the next generation of Internet enabled hard disk media appliances, will be an integral part of Marantz's DH9300 music server. The product with up to 4 high quality audio outputs, an intuitive TV interface, and able to store over 1300 hours of music, will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas. Visit Marantz at booth number 19549 in the South Hall for a demonstration of this exciting new product.

According to Takao Nakayama of Marantz, "Marantz has recognized that there is a rapidly expanding market for hard disk based home entertainment systems. Marantz's audio expertise, combined with Imerge's XiVA™ technology, will allow us to quickly bring a product to market and establish Marantz as a leading name in this field."

Steve Croft, Head of Technology Licensing at Imerge commented, " We are extremely proud to be working with Marantz and their decision to become a XiVA™ partner further strengthens the position of XiVA™ as the leading technology for CE companies looking to develop next generation home entertainment products."

For more information visit www.marantz.com

Release date: Jan 2002 Press Release index

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The Integra Division of Onkyo has become the latest big name to sign a partnership agreement with Imerge for XiVA™, the technology that is fast becoming the de-facto standard for the next generation of consumer electronics products that are hard disk-based and Internet-enabled. Integra will produce a multi-zone capable hard-disk audio system powered by XiVA™. Music will be distributed digitally round the house via Ethernet using Integra thin clients to provide a complete home entertainment system. As part of this agreement Integra will develop a thin client platform for use by Imerge and its growing list of XiVA™ partners.

According to Hayao Kamiya, General Manager of Consumer Electronics Division at Onkyo "Integra are now looking to expand into the digital home network market and our dream is to create high quality AV products that can connect into a home network and distribute media via Ethernet. We plan to provide a high quality home entertainment system combined with the convenience of Ethernet distribution. We are expanding from our core of AV home theatre oriented products to new challenges in the digital home network field. In this way we aim to remain a powerful, forward-looking company and Imerge are offering us advantages in terms of experience, knowledge and time to market."

Steve Croft, Head of Technology Licensing at Imerge commented, "We are delighted to be working with Onkyo and this latest deal confirms that XiVA™ is the leading technology for companies looking to develop next generation home entertainment products."

Release date: Jan 2002 Press Release index

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The Imerge SoundServer S1000 hard disk audio server that enables users to store and organise entire music collections and play back in multiple rooms, has been featured as an Innovations 2002 Honoree at the 2002 International CES show in Las Vegas.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, "Innovations recognises the best designed and engineered products in consumer technology. Sponsored by the CEA and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Innovations showcases the winning products in the Silver Pavilion of the Las Vegas Convention Center."

Imerge has recently expanded its range of S1000 hard disk-based audio servers with the addition of 3 new models that will make the playback of hi-fi music possible in more than one room, at a realistic cost. The storage capacity of the entry level, single output S1000-40 model has been doubled to 80GB with the new S1000-80. This will allow up to 1300 hours of music to be stored - more than enough for most music collections. The same storage capacity is available in the other two new models, which have multiple outputs. The S1002-80 and S1003-80 have two and three discrete outputs respectively.

A software upgrade to be released in the near future will add the ability to access XiVA-Net, a new Web-based entertainment service for delivering content onto a TV screen through SoundServer. XiVA-Net will allow users to access ticket and artist information, as well as all the latest industry gossip, from the comfort of their couch while they enjoy their favourite tracks. XiVA-Net will be available free to owners of Imerge's S1000 SoundServer and many more services will be added in the near future, including:

• Biography and discography information on artists
• CD, DVD, and concert ticket purchases either through physical fulfilment or by download
• Internet radio and music streaming
• Capability for dovetailing with music subscription services

At the heart of every SoundServer is the XiVA™ software from Imerge that is rapidly becoming the standard for the next generation of consumer electronics products that are hard disk based and Internet enabled.

Release date: January 2002 Press Release index

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XiVA-Net is a new Internet based entertainment service from Imerge.
XiVA-Net enables any compatible audio product to access music and video content along with goods and services according to their personal tastes and preferences. The service can be accessed from any current XiVA™ based product with a TV interface and is also suitable for use with other appliances including online set top boxes, web enabled DVD players and hard disk based media servers.

XiVA-Net is available to license, either alone or as part of a bundle with XiVA appliance technology, and can be re-branded to fit with an existing product suite. Licensees of XiVA-Net generate revenues through online transactions for goods and services from partners including DotMusic, 101CD.com, LiveGigGuide.com and Classical.com.

Release date: Dec 2001 Press Release index

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REVOX, the German based manufacturer of high quality audio systems has implemented a licence for Imerge’s XiVA™ software that is rapidly becoming the standard for the next generation of consumer electronics products that are hard disk-based and Internet-enabled. XiVA™ software is an integral part of REVOX’s new M57 Multi-room Audio Server. The M57 can store and playback up to 4000 hours of compressed audio or 370 hours of uncompressed audio on its internal hard disk, and playback different tracks in up to four different rooms. It also has the ability to automatically download album, artist and track information via its built in Internet connection and categorise this music allowing the user to find a particular album, artist, track or genre quickly and easily.

According to Markus Halbig at REVOX, "REVOX’s vision for the future is to offer a complete home entertainment system, that is extremely user friendly and incorporates advanced new features, integrated into a REVOX multi room solution. By licensing XiVA™ we are able to bring a product to market ahead of the competition and establish the REVOX brand as a leading name in the future of home entertainment. "

Revox plan to launch the M57 at IFA in Berlin from 25th August to 2nd September. They are located in Hall 10.1 booth 9.

XiVA™ is a highly portable software framework that powers advanced home media servers like the REVOX M57 Audio Server and Imerge’s own revolutionary SoundServer range of award-winning multi- and single-room stereo audio servers.

XiVA™blends hard disk technology, advanced software design and embedded Internet technology to provide exciting new features and profitable new revenue streams for consumer electronics manufacturers, PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers. XiVA™ technology brings to life audio, video, text, graphics and all forms of streaming new media using a wealth of interactive user interface options. Powerful personalised software allows users to access online content like never before through the XiVA-Net Internet portal. XiVA™ technology makes it easy to receive, record, store, access and manage vast amounts of digital entertainment content using cost-effective, fast hard disks. Revolutionary multiple access to any piece of content by any user simultaneously becomes possible.
XiVA™ software makes the management of audio libraries simple and tremendously flexible by using the power of a relational database. Music tracks can be stored and searched for by album, track, artist or genre. The XiVA™software then allows instant playback of any of the stored media by the category, mood or style selected. XiVA™can analyse usage history and trends, developing an accurate personal preference profile. Connecting to the Internet via the XiVA-Net portal, XiVA-enabled appliances will allow the automatic search and retrieval, from the Internet, of more music and information about favourite artists or music types and XiVA™ software will in future be upgraded online via XiVA-Net.

The latest version of XiVA™ incorporates a number of new features such as bulk loading of CDs via an NSM CD Multi-changer, CD text recognition and MP3 compression rate selection.

New releases coming soon include a software application that turns the Handspring Visor into an IR remote control for XiVA‘ enabled devices. The stylish Visor has a large screen allowing users to view their entire music database and select by album, artists or genre.

According to Steve Croft, Head of Licensing and OEM Sales at Imerge, "The addition of REVOX as a XiVA™ licensee further strengthens the position of XiVA™ as the leading technology for companies looking to develop next generation home entertainment products."

Revox can be contacted on +49 7721 8704 10 or visit their website at www.revox.ch.

Release date: August 2001 Press Release index

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Linn Products, one of Europe's leading Hi-fi manufacturers has become the first company to implement a licence for Imerge's XiVA™ software that is rapidly becoming the standard for the next generation of consumer electronics products that are hard disk-based and Internet-enabled. XiVA™ software is an integral part of Linn's new Kivor Tunboks hard disc source product used to store and playback uncompressed and compressed audio to the highest performance level. The Kivor Tunboks uses Linn's unique and proprietary PCI Card, developed by Linn exclusively for the Kivor Tunboks. Combined with a Linn Kivor Linnk and Linn Kivor Oktal, Linn Kivor Tunboks, integrates perfectly into Linn Knekt or any conventional music system.

According to Brian Morris, PR Manager at Linn Products, "Imerge are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and good to work with. The Linn Kivor Tunboks hardware is very closely coupled with the Imerge XiVA™ software to deliver the unique high performance bit-accurate, multi-zone output that all Linn Knekt customers demand."

XiVA™ is a highly portable software framework that powers advanced home media servers like the Kivor Tunboks and Imerge's own revolutionary SoundServer range of award-winning multi- and single-room stereo audio servers.

XiVA™ blends hard disk technology, advanced software design and embedded Internet technology to provide amazing new features and profitable new revenue streams for consumer electronics manufacturers. XiVA™ technology brings to life audio, video, text, graphics and all forms of streaming new media, through a wealth of interactive user interface options and powerful personalised software accesses online content like never before. XiVA software makes it easy to receive, record, store, access and manage vast amounts of digital content using cost-effective, fast hard disks. Revolutionary multiple simultaneous access to any piece of content by any user at the same time becomes possible.

In appliances such as Kivor Tunboks and SoundServer, by using the power of a relationary database, XiVA™ software makes the management of audio libraries simple and tremendously flexible. Music tracks can be stored and played back by album, track, artist or genre. The XiVA™ software takes care of playback, automatically selecting tracks from the entire music collection to fit the mood or style selected. XiVA™ can analyse usage history and trends, developing an accurate personal preference profile. Connecting to the net via the XiVA-Net portal, XiVA-enabled appliances will soon allow the automatic search and retrieval, from the Internet and from private networks, of more music and information about favourite artists or music types and XiVA™ software will in future be upgraded online via XiVA-Net.

The latest version of XiVA™ incorporates a number of new features such as bulk loading of CDs via a Sony CD Multichanger and MP3 quality selection giving the option of higher quality than standard MP3, but more storage than uncompressed. Also new is improved CD text support, making CD information from sources such as the CDDB website easier to gather.

According to Robin Courtenay, Sales & Marketing Director at Imerge, "As well as Linn, we are already talking to some of the world's largest and most prestigious consumer electronics manufacturers about incorporating XiVA™ technology into their next generation products and we anticipate strong interest also from PC and networking companies as well as content, software and service providers worldwide. XiVA™ software is easily integrated into third party systems via the XiVA-Link protocol and customisable user interfaces".

Release date: May 2001 Press Release index

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“A brilliantly conceived and executed product.”

“A digital jukebox for the new millennium.”
“The future of audio is here.”

“This is a poster child for the new generation of home audio systems.”
“One day all stereos will be able to do this.”

“This is the future of home audio.”

“It's like a Q magazine that can actually play music”