Universal Electronics Inc. Prepares Consumers For Simple Digital-to-Analog Conversion

UEI Collaborates with Major Set-top Box Makers and Cable Service Provider to Develop Universal Remote with Maximum Compatibility and Ease of Use [The following is a release from Universal Electronics]

July 31, 2008

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) today announced a universal remote control that aims to simplify the digital to analog conversion for the millions of Americans making the switch in early 2009. The Delta universal remote is slated to ship to major set-top manufacturers for deployment with a major cable operator in the fall of 2008 in anticipation of the upcoming digital broadcast switch. Delta is a universal two-device remote designed to be preprogrammed to a digital-to-analog converter (DTA) and programmed by the user to operate their television. The remote includes comprehensive infrared (IR) coverage for the most popular TV brands sold in North America providing the utmost compatibility in the home. Delta features UEI's XMP(TM) protocol; an efficient and reliable IR communication protocol with a unique code registry that avoids conflict with other devices in the home. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has estimated that there are 69 million analog television sets that will be potentially impacted by the digital transition. These sets will need some type of converter box to receive digital television signals after February 17, 2009. Universal Electronics recognizes the importance these converter boxes will play in the home universal remote control market in the next 12-18 months and have developed a control solution that helps make the transition as smooth as possible. "The digital transition in cable broadcasting is poised to accelerate as the mandatory cutover time nears. Many viewers need a device to keep their analog TV's from going obsolete," said Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer of UEI. "The major cable systems are all looking at DTA converters to solve this problem and they need a reliable and highly compatible remote to control the converter. Delta provides a cost effective and reliable way to address their needs."

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