News

Sigma Powers Jamo's Strategic Launch of Digital Consumer Products; Jamo Delivers Sophisticated, Seamless Entertainment to the Home (1/7/2004)

Sigma Designs(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), a leader in digital media processors for consumer appliances today announced that Jamo has begun a new strategy focused on delivering advanced digital video consumer products, including digital televisions, networked DVD players and multi-function recorders all based on Sigma's media processing solutions. This current development builds on the success of Jamo's plasma TV, introduced in the spring of 2004, which used Sigma's EM8610 media processor. As a result Jamo has designed an entire line of products utilizing Sigma's advanced digital media processing solutions. Sigma's EM8600 family of advanced media processors is the foundation for Jamo's new Home Cinema System: 2F, short for Form and Function, which provides consumers with the future of advanced home entertainment. Jamo is Europe's leading supplier of speaker products and will market this new line of advanced digital video consumer products on a worldwide basis.

"Globally, the market for advanced digital video consumer products is set to expand in the next few years," said Anders Hoeiris, CEO, Jamo. "With the unprecedented success of our first foray into the plasma TV arena, we saw the strategic opportunity to not only create a complete suite of products catering to this market, but also continue our partnership with Sigma Designs. Sigma's solutions have proven themselves in providing the highest level of quality with the latest in technological leadership."

Jamo's new 2F plasma television provides a singular experience whether viewing movies, sports, opera or documentaries. The system simulates lifelike pictures and crystal clear sound, providing the realism of being right in the action. The styling is based on the Scandinavian tradition of simplicity, functionality and purity of lines. The award-winning Danish team of Smedegaard and Weiss created the classic, yet innovative design for Jamo's 2F solution, internationally recognized for their ability to successfully combine technical and aesthetic qualities.

The Jamo 2F solution is a complete system, which includes a plasma screen, multi-channel loudspeaker system and a DVD/CD receiver, developed to complement and work with each other. All products in the 2F solution can be used separately; however, when used together the experience is one of complete synergy. Each product within the 2F system can be operated from a single remote control.

Jamo's DVR 50 houses a digital amplifier, AM/FM RDS radio, DVD/CD player and digital surround-sound processor, all in the same cabinet. The receiver is the world's first DVD receiver with PAL/NTSC progressive scan and DivX. Jamo's HDP 4250 is the first screen to combine high-definition plasma technology with Sigma's next generation graphic processor, the EM8610, based on Sigma's award-winning REALmagic(R) technology. In addition to crisp picture quality, the chip is fully compatible with PC or Macintosh video output. The chip also allows the HDP 4250 to be easily upgraded with new features during its lifetime.

"The future of consumer entertainment continues to advance and excite the imagination, especially with Jamo's 2F line of products geared for the discerning consumer," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing for Sigma Designs. "Jamo's stature and continued strategy in providing advanced consumer products is further proof for the continued growth in the digital entertainment industry. Sigma is uniquely positioned to provide key solutions to companies like Jamo as the market for advanced home media solutions continues to progress and expand."

The complete line-up of new products from Jamo includes the following:

-- The new 42" plasma HDTV, which was formally launched in May via a press conference in Denmark
-- DVR-50 DVD Receiver (using EM8500)
-- DVD-55 DVD Receiver (using EM8560) and offering networking, and ehome link -- DRR-60 DVD Receiver and Recorder (using EM8560), which includes a 80 GB hard disc
-- DRR-70 DVD Receiver and Recorder (using EM8620L), adds WMV9 playback
-- DRR-70HR DVD Receiver and Recorder (using EM8620L), adds high definition reception
-- 32" LCD HDTV (using EM8610)

Availability

The Jamo Home Cinema System: 2F was launched in Copenhagen in May of 2004 and retails for $9,999.00.

www.sigmadesigns.com
www.jamo.com