Espial and MontaVista Software Demonstrate Broadband Solution Powering Sony CoCoon

Sony selects Espial technology for broadband Cocoon PVR

Preview Featured at Embedded Systems Conference April 22-26

OTTAWA, Canada (PR WEB) April 23, 2003- Espial, a leading provider of embedded software for interactive applications and MontaVista Software, the company powering the embedded revolution today announced that the Sony CoCoon broadband media gateway, is using Espial technology and will be displayed at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Francisco. Released in Japan this month, the Sony CoCoon NDR-XR1 allows the user to look for programs to record based on an actor or actresses name or title of a program from a search of the Internet EPG.

The broadband-connected PVR device features a 80GB hard drive capable of recording 15 hours of high-definition video or 100 hours of standard programming in addition to Internet access and content from Sony. The device will be deployed globally by the end of the year.

The Espial Escape Browser and Espial Espresso were selected for the CoCoon due to features and functionality required for such an advanced consumer device. The CoCoon utilizes the MontaVista® Linux® operating system and microprocessors based on reduced instruction-set computing technology.

"Espial technology is designed specifically for home broadband networks and next-generation home gateways," said Dr. Neale Foster, director of television at Espial. "Speeding time to market and reducing development effort are key benefits of the completely portable Espial Suite for TV. We are excited to see Espial technologies powering this new line of prestigious consumer products."

"Linux has tremendous momentum in consumer electronics and MontaVista Software enables companies like Sony to bring complex, breakthrough consumer products to market extremely rapidly,"comments Scott Hedrick, senior product marketing manager, MontaVista Software. "MontaVista Linux is increasingly selected for sophisticated consumer devices -- it accelerates time-to-market and significantly reduces development costs We are excited to see another win for Espial and MontaVista Software in such an advanced device."

Analysts predict the personal video recorder (PVR) category is poised to replace the VCR by 2006. In addition, PVR features are now commonly built-in to advanced set-top boxes for satellite and terrestrial deployment. The Sony CoCoon includes advanced software to provide additional features such as the ability to program the device over the phone. Moreover, increased storage capacity is being designed into the next version of the product.

The Sony CoCoon running Espial and MontaVista Linux will be featured in booth number 2210 at the Embedded Systems Conference, April 22-26 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. MontaVista is a registered trademark of MontaVista Software, Inc.

About Espial
With more than 90 device design wins with companies such as Intel, Motorola, On Command, Philips and Samsung, Espial has deployed proven solutions for devices relying on Internet technology. Espial software allows customers to create services, deliver devices, manage infrastructure while building revenue in a cost effective manner. Espial technology applies universally across sectors such as TV, wireless, automotive and other connected devices. Visit www.espial.com.

For further information please contact:
Craig Olson
Media Relations, Espial
+1 515 224 7641
colson@espial.com