Pace's DC-550 HD in Field Trials with Time Warner Cable; Pace Again Leads the Industr

[Gregg Lengling]

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2003--Pace Micro Technology today announced Time Warner Cable is the first cable operator to field trial the Pace DC-550 HD (high definition) digital cable set-top. Time Warner Cable is testing the Pace DC-550 HD in several locations throughout its service area to validate that the set-tops are ready for consumer use.
    "We're delighted Time Warner Cable is field testing the Pace DC-550 HD. This is evidence that cable operators are responding to consumer demand for a more sophisticated HD user experience with rich graphics and scaled video," said Neil Gaydon, president of Pace Micro Technology Americas. "Once again, Pace is leading the industry with the most flexible, innovative, and cost-effective solution for cable operators."
    Gaydon continues, "The Pace DC-550 HD is the best product to support cable-delivered VOD and HDTV in the U.S. to date. Now that cable operators are offering more competitive services than satellite, they also need the hardware that is more robust than what satellite offers as well. The Pace DC-550 HD offers performance and connectivity that is simply better."
    The Pace DC-550 HD is breaking new ground in High Definition technology. Providing a supreme level of security for content copyright protection, and an unparalleled level of connectivity to accommodate the variety of television sets available today, Pace has achieved ten firsts for the industry with the Pace DC-550 HD:

    The Pace DC-550 HD Firsts:

    1. First ENERGY STAR(R) HD

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is very concerned about appliances, like set-top boxes, that continue to use energy even when turned off. Pace is the only set-top developer to have deployed digital cable boxes meeting the EPA's Energy Star efficiency standards.

    2. The world's smallest HD set-top

    Measuring only 12" x 9" x 2 1/4" and weighing less than four pounds, the Pace DC-550 HD is even slightly smaller than Pace's industry-leading DC-510 which is already deployed in 16 Time Warner Cable divisions. Consumers want products that don't take up lots of space in their entertainment centers, and cable companies expect efficient use of space in their warehouses and trucks

    3. First HD product in-class to have content security as standard

    High definition content providers are likely to restrict HD content availability until security measures are adopted. The Pace DC-550 HD hardware and software architecture enables the secure delivery over digital cable of both SDTV (standard definition) and HDTV (high definition) content. It includes standards-based, secure digital connections for digital televisions and peripheral devices like digital VCRs, PVRs, DVDs, etc.

    4. Best in-class MIPS processor and memory

    With sophisticated Run from Ram performance, the Pace DC-550 HD offers industry leading speed and processing. This OCAP-compliant set-top wields an unmatched combination of 260 MIPS processing speed and 64 MB of memory (of which a hefty 32 MB are there to support applications and drivers), making it extremely fast and able to accommodate all of today's on-demand applications as well as those on the horizon.

    5. First with component video loop-through connectivity

    The Pace DC-550 HD includes component video loop-through (having both input and output connectors). As a result, customers can connect consumer electronics devices, such as component video DVD players, through their set-top, to their HDTV. This is especially valuable as some budget HDTVs have only one set of component video inputs.

    6. First with both optical and electrical audio loop-through connectivity

    Uniquely, the Pace DC-550 HD supports both optical and electrical audio outputs with 'loop-through' connectivity. 'Loop-through' (having both input and output connectors) enables multiple consumer electronic devices - DVDs, game controllers etc. - to be connected to the TV via the set-top. This is important as many TVs and home theatre audio systems do not have sufficient built-in connectors. Additionally, many home theatre systems use optical connectivity and will not work with set-tops that only support electrical audio outputs. The digital audio output on the Pace DC-550 HD is always live, unlike other set-tops available today that only support digital when a Dolby soundtrack is being used.

    7. First HD product in class to support video in program guide with dynamic management of output scan rate conversions

    The Pace DC-550 HD set-top scales video to the upper right corner of the television screen when the electronic program guide is displayed for both Standard Definition and High Definition video content. Some HD products available today do not show scaled video when the guide is displayed...instead, the video actually disappears when the guide button is pressed! With the Pace DC-550 HD, different SD and HD program content is automatically scaled and scan rates changed to ensure the user sees a picture the way they want to watch it, avoiding black bars around the picture (letterbox and pillarbox bars) that are evident with some set-tops on the market today.

    8. First box to offer IR Receiver

    The Pace DC-550 HD includes an IR receiver socket into which an optional IR receiver on a cable tether can be plugged, so customers can place their set-top out of sight and still use their remote control to operate it. The IR receiver is placed somewhere visible to the remote control, while the set-top remains hidden. This tethered IR receiver provides consumers more options for furniture placement in their living rooms and is more aesthetically pleasing for some consumers.

    9. First gateway made of material built to last longer.

    For the Pace DC-550 HD, Pace has used a distinguished two-tone design made of durable, self-colored ABS and polycarbonate material. This advanced material design minimizes the appearance of wear and tear and reduces the operators' cost of refurbishment.

    10. First feat for feet.

    Another of Pace's feats on the 550 is feet that don't break off. The life of a set-top is not an easy one with each product typically churning through multiple homes over time. Feet simply coming off through this repeated handling has been a source of irritation and expense for years. Pace has combined a non-brittle thermoplastic rubber foot with a nylon-6 snap rivet to make sure the 550's feet stay intact and firmly attached.

    Commenting on the Pace DC-550 HD and its numerous firsts for the industry, Gaydon said, "With the demand for HDTVs on the rise, operators need to offer a set-top that takes HD technology to the next level, so cable operators can offer consumers the best viewing experience possible and remain cost effective. The Pace DC-550 HD is the best HD set-top available today and is ready to roll."

    About Pace Micro Technology

    Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC) is a leader in digital television technology. The Company's primary focus is the development of innovative set-top solutions for operators, broadcasters, telecommunications companies and retail markets worldwide. In addition, Pace develops edge of network devices for service providers, in particular digital IP gateways for low-cost integrated voice and data services.
    Pace's head office is in Shipley West Yorkshire, with further offices in Bracknell, Cambridge, the USA, France and Hong Kong. For further information, please visit Pace's web site at http://www.pacemicro.com