Electrohome Projection Systems And Folsom Research Launch The VistaULTRA™

KITCHENER, Ontario – June 11, 1999 – Electrohome Projection Systems, a leading developer of high performance projection solutions, today unveiled the VistaULTRA^TM 12K Roadie^HR – the industry’s first 12,000 ANSI Lumen projector, based on 3-chip SXGA DLP™ technology from Texas Instruments.

The VistaULTRA’s superior capabilities are enhanced by the MAGi^HR Digital Scan Converter (DSC), and its unique high-resolution video scaling technology. The MAGi^HR DSC includes a Panel Link digital interface - co-developed by Electrohome and Folsom Research - which provides unparalleled image quality suited to a variety of high-performance markets.

The MAGi^HR’s high-resolution video scaling technology and digital interface promise to makes internal scan converters and analogue interfacesoutput for projection systems obsolete.a thing of the past, as it allows for real time image processing, and enables users to convert projected images to any format they wish. The MAGi^HR DSC is positioned as a separate element outside of the projector, decreases upgrade costs as it allowing for both the projector and the DSC to be configured for specific applications and eliminating without introducingredundant electronics. The digital interface eliminates loss of image fidelity as video is transmitted between the system components. The result is a more flexible, modular system with extremely high image quality and reliability. This system architecture also permits the MAGi^HR to be mounted near control and routing equipment to simplify layout and cabling for multi-screen presentations.

"Customers have driven the design of this product from day one, feedback had indicated that certain features needed to be improved in order for us to achieve complete performance satisfaction," says Mike Jones, President, Folsom Research. "By teaming with Electrohome we were able to combine high resolution scaling, a digital video interface and advanced projection technology to provide a unique product that compliments the all-digital nature of DLP technology – for any size display screen.We eventually developed the digital interface because this technology doesn’t degrade the image quality – no matter how large the screen is that you’re projecting onto."

"Seamless switching is a feature that rental-stagers have been asking for in high performance machines for a long time, and Electrohome, together with Folsom Research, has answered the call with the VistaULTRA 12K Roadie^HR," says Zoran Veselic, Product Manager, Captivating Markets. "Electrohome can now truly offer the highest performance projection solution to this demanding market because both the 12K Roadie and the MAGi^HR were purpose built to specifically comply with customer demands."

Building on previous models of the Roadie line, the VistaULTRA 12K offers 12,000 ANSI lumens - the highest brightness available on the market today. This ultra high brightness is achieved with the use of a proprietary 1.8 kW SHB (Super High Brightness) Xenon illumination system and a larger DMD^TM SXGA 1280x1024 chip size. The VistaULTRA 12K can also deliver over 90 percent brightness uniformity across the screen.

Electrohome’s unique ILS (Intelligent Lens System) power lens positioning, combined with the shortest throw lens in the business – 0.65:1 – means rental/staging technicians can now use this projection system on stage. The VistaULTRA 12K includes all standard Roadie features: built in douser, rugged case, self-stacking, quick and accessible lamp module, and integrated handles for safe and easier installation and positioning. On top of all of this, Electrohome provides high reliability and a 24/7-support hot line.

The VistaULTRA 12K Roadie^HR was designed for demanding large-venue applications such as rental/staging, electronic cinema, concert halls, auditoriums, churches, theme parks and other large venues.

INFOCOMM Details
To see the VistaULTRA 12K Roadie^HR please visit the Electrohome booth at #1343 in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida during INFOCOMM99. The VistaULTRA 12K will also be participating in the projector shoot-out in the Large Venue category 1024x768 and 1280x1024 Graphics.

About Folsom Research
Founded in 1979, Folsom Research Inc. is a privately held company that designs, manufactures and markets specialized video scan converters and real-time image processing systems. Folsom Research is based in Rancho Cordova, California – a suburb of Sacramento. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.folsom.com.

About Electrohome Ltd.
Established in 1979 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Electrohome Projection Systems represents the Visual Communications Division of Electrohome Limited. Founded in 1907, Electrohome Limited supplies total solutions in visual communications to customers around the world, specializing in large-screen video/data/graphic projection systems. With over 20,000 projectors installed in more than 40 countries, Electrohome is a world leader in projection systems. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.electrohome.com .

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Contact:

Laura Mergelas
Cohn & Wolfe
(416) 924-5700
laura_mergelas@cohnwolfe.com

Dorina Belu
Electrohome Limited
(519) 744-7111
dorina.belu@electrohome.cm

Mike Jones
Folsom Research
(916) 859-2500
mikej@folsom.com