New Patent Reaffirms Universal Electronics Position At Helm Of Wireless Control

In a move that reaffirms Universal Electronics Inc.ís pioneering, leadership role in wireless handheld remote control technology, the U.S. Patent Office has granted UEI a patent covering all programmable macro of multifunction key sequencing ñcapability packaged in a remote control, UEI announced today. If UEI to exercise its patent rights, the company could collect royalties from licenses who use the technology.""This newly issued patent effectively gives UEI ownership of the technology that makes it possible for anyone to use a single macro key on a remote to fully control a home ""infotainment"" system of diverse components,"" explained UEI Chairman and CEO Camille Jayne. ""On one key, the user can define and program a sequence of events - turn the cable set-top box on, turn the TV on to channel 7, turn the VCR on to channel 3, and turn the stereo on and set the volume at level 4 for example.""Today, the sequencing macro key is a staple feature on higher-end remotes - which UEI estimates currently make up about 15 percent of the universal remote control market. ""That market will grow substantially,"" Jayne said. ""In the age of interactive digital remotes used for everything from home theater to home banking, consumers will demand affordable wireless controls that minimize the process of powering up and controlling convergent and increasingly complex systems. What is for the moment a higher-end market niche will become mainstream.""Jayne stressed UEIís willingness to work out licensing arrangements with competitors who are using its macro key technology. ""UEI has a family of more than 30 patents issued or pending, and part of our business is licensing our technology to others. This is nothing new to us. Ultimately, we're more interested in making consumers comfortable with the future direction of lifestyle technology. That way, everybody wins.""For more information, contact Paul Arling (UEI) at 714 820 1000 or visit the Web site at www.uei.com.

For more information, contact Paul Arling (UEI) at 714 820 1000.