News

Panasonic to Utilize Universal Electronics Technology to Set New Bar in Consumer Electronics Industry for Remote Controls (22/6/2005)

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) today announced that it has entered into a two year agreement with Panasonic Electronic Devices Co., Ltd. -- a leading international supplier of electronic components -- to provide UEI wireless control technology for remote control devices Panasonic manufactures for consumer electronics products. Panasonic Electronic Devices Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand. UEI was selected for its world-class infrared database and leading intellectual property portfolio specializing in wireless control technology.

With a world-class database of infrared (IR) codes for controlling virtually any consumer electronics device and its extensive IP portfolio, Universal Electronics continues to strengthen its leadership in wireless control technology. UEI's unmatched library encompasses over 210,000 device codes covering more than 2,300 consumer electronics brands to date. As more devices enter the market, UEI is committed to ensuring compatibility and ease of control for these devices that will find their way into the living rooms around the world.

"We are very pleased to enter into this relationship with UEI and are confident their innovative technology will help us expand our business globally," says Shuichi Yamamoto, Director of Electromechanical Components Business Unit, Panasonic Electronic Devices Co., Ltd. "After an extensive review of UEI's database and IP, we believe that Panasonic remote controls, powered by their technology, will deliver a superior consumer experience."

UEI will provide microcontrollers to Panasonic over the next two years, for inclusion in remote controls the company will produce for its branded products as well as for OEM customers throughout the world.

"Panasonic is a global leader in both the consumer electronics industry and the electronic components industry because of a commitment to delivering value, quality, and all the rewards that technology offers to its customers all over the world. We are thrilled to share in this commitment and very pleased to be acknowledged for our leadership and expertise in providing the technology to be used in Panasonic remote controls," said Robert Lilleness, president and chief operating officer of Universal Electronics. "As we continue to develop and innovate in our technologies, more CE providers can look to us in delivering solutions for the increasingly complex home environment."

www.panasonic.com
www.uei.com