Sony Electronicsí Senior Vice President Jim Palumbo Cites Strong Future For IEEE 1394 Standard At Annual Developersí Conference

Matsushita Chief Technical Officer Dr. Paul Liao Co-KeynotesCites Rapid Growth Of DVD Market, Expansion Of Broadband Services

22-Jun-00

James Palumbo, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Sony Electronics, kicked off the annual IEEE 1394 Developers' Conference Tuesday in San Jose, California, calling 1394 one of the most important developments for the home in this decade. Palumbo told a keynote audience at the Fairmont Hotel that sales prospects of 1394-enabled products such as digital televisions and digital set-top boxes means, ""1394 could penetrate millions of consumer households over the next several years. With this kind of household penetration, 1394 becomes not merely a 'nice' feature to have on a digital product, but a necessity,"" Palumbo said. Palumbo cited several efforts now underway that will help propel 1394-based products into the consumer market, including bridging complementary efforts of various trade and industry associations, which he called essential for the ultimate success of any new technology. For example, the Consumer Electronics Association has established a 1394 Interface Strategy Working Group, which is at work on a broad range of topics including labeling, branding, consumer acceptance, and strategic introductions. Liao in his address noted the rapid proliferation of Digital Video Disc (DVD) technology worldwide, adding that the explosion in broadband capability is empowering consumers with more mobility, freedom of choice and financial independence. He showed a brief video of a 21st century home outfitted with digital technology in every room. Palumbo and Liao joined Microsoft's Carl Stork as keynoters for the annual 1394 Developers' Conference, June 20 through June 22 at the San Jose Fairmont. The 1394 Trade Association includes more than 170 member companies from around the world dedicated to the extension and proliferation of the IEEE 1394 multimedia standard. For more information, please visit the Trade Association Web site at www.1394ta.org, or phone 408 748 9416.

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