News

Universal Electronics' Kameleon is Changing the Face of Home Control, with over One Million Remotes Sold (14/7/2005)

Milestone Validates Consumer Choice to Simplify Home Entertainment Environments

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) today announced over one million Kameleon(TM) universal remote controls have been sold, serving as a testament to the company's ongoing pledge to simplify and enhance consumers' complex home entertainment environments. With Kameleon technology, UEI has created a new product category and comprehensive product line whose appeal has spanned the globe. Featuring a revolutionary display technology that utilizes the power of Intelligent Illumination(TM), Kameleon products were created for the design-conscious user by blending unparalleled style with complete control over the home entertainment environment. By delivering touch-panel technology at a fraction of the cost of touchscreen products on the market, UEI has introduced graphical, user friendly remotes to a wider audience than ever before.

"We couldn't be more pleased to have one million people worldwide -- and growing -- now enjoying our uniquely styled, Kameleon-powered controls in their homes," said Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Electronics. "We are constantly pushing ourselves to make the control experience simpler and more enjoyable for a wide range of consumers. When Kameleon technology was first introduced, we knew we had something special. I am thrilled to see such growing global acceptance with this milestone."

With modern, ergonomic styling that appeals to the design-conscious user in today's digital lifestyle, Kameleon's functionality has not been sacrificed by form. Powered by electro-luminescent (EL) touch panel technology, Kameleon's Intelligent Illumination dynamically displays relevant keys while hiding inactive ones. This reduces key clutter while providing access to expanded home theater features including picture-in-picture (PIP) and personal/digital video recording (PVR/DVR) playback. Set-up of Kameleon products also proves quick and intuitive for consumer ease-of-use.

Leading, Patented Technology

Kameleon products are available in multiple platforms worldwide, primarily under the One for All(R) brand, which recently unveiled two new retail product introductions, including the latest Kameleon 6 Hybrid, which provides the ideal blend of both hard and soft key functionality; and the Kameleon 8 RF which enables multi-room control via radio frequency. In addition to UEI's world-class wireless control software which enables the control of a multitude of home entertainment and automation devices, Kameleon products feature up to 16 patented control innovations. Macros record a user's favorite sequence of activities, such as watching a DVD, and assigns them to a single button; Home theater mode enables the control of all of a user's entertainment devices from one screen; and Modem upgradeability ensures compatibility with the newest devices entering the home.

"The launch of the new Kameleon technology in One For All universal remote controls demonstrates UEI's pioneering abilities to innovate and lead the wireless control market throughout the world, and is a great example of Universal Electronics unrivaled expertise," says Mr. Thomas Sirtl, Head Buyer CE Accessories, from Media Markt Germany.

Kameleon has been lauded by consumers and the industry alike, with accolades from various publications including: Parade, Time, Stuff, and T3, Publications around the globe include: BBC News, Daily Star, The Independent, The Times and The Sun in the UK; Fernsehwoche and TV Spielfilm, Germany; El Pais and El Mundo, Spain.

Kameleon universal remotes are available at leading retailers worldwide including North American retailers, Best Buy, Circuit City, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Good Guys, Long's, Radio Shack, Sears, Sharper Image, Tweeter and Wal-Mart; UK retailers, Dixons, Argos, Comet and QVC; German retailers, Media Markt, Saturn and Conrad; E.Leclerc and Boulanger in France; El Corte Ingles and Alcampo in Spain; as well as major online retailers.

www.uei.com