Ch.1Æ Internet Entertainment Platform Launches

Ch.1Æ Network Services To Be Integrated Into TV/HD-Ready Displays

30-Jan-01

Ch.1Æ announced its integrated, high resolution Internet and entertainment TV platform. The Ch.1 architecture will be built into digital TVs and will operate without the need of an external PC. Ch.1 will enable its members to browse the Internet, create Web and TV favorites, access preprogrammed category portals, send e-mail, shop online, chat and operate a localized and customized channel guide - all from the comfort of their living rooms. Through the use of its Picture-In-Portal feature, Ch.1 viewers can watch a TV program and interact with its Web site simultaneously, from the same television.In mid-January 2001, the Ch.1 platform will be the first interactive Internet access solution to be built into a television. The first Ch.1 enabled television will be a 36-inch, 4:3 direct-view HD-ready TV/display. The 36-inch Internet/TV supports NTSC video in progressive line-doubled mode, all currently available HDTV formats including 1080i and native 720p, computer sources up to XGA resolution and selected USB devices. To operate the system, an integrated universal remote/keyboard/mouse with discrete IR for TV, cable, satellite, VCR, hard disk recorders and A/V receivers is included. 32 and 27-inch versions of the embedded Internet appliance enabled by Ch.1 will be available in the second quarter of 2001.""After working in front of a computer all day, I didnít want to go into my study at home to use a PC to surf the Web."" said William Wang, CEO of Ch.1. ""I tried some of the currently available Internet TV solutions. I just didnít like adding more boxes to my home entertainment system - the graphics were poor and the video inferior. So, we started designing an Internet/TV system that any family member could use with the same resolution they are familiar with from their desktop PCs. Now (with Ch.1) we can watch, play along with a game show and even shop, while sending messages to friends and family members without leaving the room or picking up a phone.""Offering 800 x 600 resolution (SVGA) rendering of Web pages through its full-featured browser with e-mail and chat applications, Ch.1 can act as an ISP (Ch1.net) or can run on the viewerís own ISP. Network services and Internet access are available through a built-in 56k v.90 modem using either a RJ-11 connection or an included fast Ethernet RJ-45 connection for LAN, DSL or cable modem. The Ch.1 portal opens with customizable TV and Web favorites for up to five users. The localized television channel guide offers story synopsis, actors, production date, director and rating with associated link to each stationís Web site. The latter provides instant interactivity for every channel without the need for any specialized interactive programming. To operate the multi-patent pending system along with other home system components such as a DVD player, cable box or digital satellite system, an integrated universal remote/keyboard/mouse is provided.Ch.1 monthly service plans start at $8.95 for a single user with an existing ISP or $9.95 with incoming and outgoing filtering included. A Ch.1 family plan of $11.95 adds up to four more users or $13.95 with the optional incoming and outgoing Web filtering. If the user has no Internet access, dial-up service is available through Ch1.net for an additional $10 per month. Outgoing filtering will allow a parent to delete phrases from outgoing email and chat (e.g., block out a child's name, address, phone number and credit card information.)Keeping in mind that the system must operate as easily and reliably as current TVs, Ch.1 has been designed to be obsolescence free and to provide years of multipurpose use. Regular TV is greatly enhanced through motion adaptive de-interlacing with 2:3 pull-down for filmed sources. It is compatible with emerging DTV and HDTV standards through external ATSC tuners and cable/satellite set-top boxes. The embedded Internet appliance uses the latest National Semiconductor chip sets and the software will be constantly and dynamically updated by Ch.1ís network of servers. The included ""client"" software uses an operating system and browser that are designed to eliminate ""crashes"" or ""freezes"" and initial system startup delays.Supporting each Ch.1 enabled TV at the back-end is a network of servers, located at an Internet backbone, which provide member authentication, e-mail, chat, updates, applications, content and maintenance of secure user profiles. Additional subscriber benefits and applications served through Ch.1 servers include interconnected family calendars, on-screen ""sticky"" notes, a home automation control interface with remote PC access, Ch.1 community games and others.Ch.1 also has an Alliance Program seeking partnerships with content providers, traditional media, consumer electronics manufacturers, ISPís and broadband providers.Ch.1 Inc. is a privately-held venture located in Orange County, California. For more information, visit www.ch1.com.

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