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Monster Cable Launches Line of Connectivity Products for High-Definition Multimedia Interface Standard (19/1/2004)

Monster's HDMI Line Focuses on Longer Length Applications and Backwards Compatibility with DVI

Monster Cable Products, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and speaker cables, today introduced a complete line of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectivity products at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The HDMI interface standard (www.HDMI.org) was developed by a consortium of consumer electronics manufacturers and Silicon Image (Nasdaq:SIMGE), a leading semiconductor company and also founder of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard HDMI is designed to serve as the standard digital interface for in CE products.

HDMI transfers both uncompressed digital audio and digital video for the crispest image and highest sound quality. HDMI video is an all-digital rendering without losses associated with analog interfaces or digital-to-analog conversions. HDMI audio supports multiple formats, from stereo to multi-channel surround sound. HDMI also greatly enhances ease-of-use for consumers by combining video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently necessary in A/V systems. HDMI also supports communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the Digital TV, enabling new functionality. Source and display devices equipped with Silicon Image's PanelLink Cinema(TM) HDMI silicon -- the first silicon solutions on the market -- are now commercially available.

"With the growing availability of HDMI source and display devices at retail, customers are eager to experience HDMI's all-digital quality, ease of use and enhanced functionality," noted John LeMoncheck, Silicon Image vice president, consumer electronics products. "One of the questions has been, 'Where can I find the cables?' With Monster's entrance into the HDMI market and their strong retail presence, this is now a no-brainer. We are pleased that Monster is supplying the final link that will make the vision of the HDMI home theater a reality."

Monster Cable has historically been an early supporter of new CE technology introductions -- like component video, DVI and now HDMI to name just a few -- with complete and unique lines of connectivity products. "The introduction of Monster HDMI will be a big initiative for us in 2004," said Peter Radsliff, Monster's Director of Product Development and Marketing. "We find that a majority of consumers that buy components capable of high-resolution video don't hook them up in a way to achieve the highest performance. We believe HDMI will be a giant step forward in helping consumers get all the performance they paid for. Monster has partnered with Silicon Image not only to develop new HDMI products but also to co-promote HDMI to the CE industry and promote all-digital connectivity to consumers."

Monster today announced the introduction of 50 new Monster HDMI connectivity products in three performance levels including long-lengths and backwards-compatible HDMI-to-DVI solutions. The high performance Monster HDMI 400 line ranges in price from $99 to $500 depending on length and configuration. The higher performance M-Series HDMI 500 line ranges in price from $150 to $650. The highest performance M-Series HDMI 1000 line ranges in price from $200 to $700. Each line is available in HDMI-to-HDMI or HDMI-to-DVI terminations in 1m, 2m, 4m, 5m, 35ft, 50ft, and longer. The long lengths are for connection of video displays or projectors to remote equipment racks. Even moderately longer lengths are a necessity with today's wall-mounted flat screen TVs and video electronics that are not found immediately nearby. Two innovative HDMI-to-DVI adaptors were also unveiled that retail for $30 each.

www.MonsterCable.com