Avocent Introduces a Wireless VGA Expansion Solution for Pioneer Industrial Plasma Panels Eliminates need for PC at each plasma for efficient, cost effective digital signage connectivity

Avocent Wireless, a division of Avocent Corporation (Nasdaq: AVCT) today announced the worlds first wireless VGA plug-in module for Pioneer Electronics PDP-504CMX and PDP-434CMX plasma panels. A demonstration of the new Avocent technology can be seen in Pioneers booth #1055 at the InfoComm show June 9-11 in Atlanta.

(PRWEB) June 10, 2004 -- The Avocent Wireless VGA plug-in module provides high performance wireless access between a remote PC and the Pioneer PDP plasma panel up to 100 feet indoors through walls. With plug in capability, the module is ideal for use in digital signage applications where it is preferable to manage and maintain audio, video and digital data from a central location and broadcast content to remote locations wirelessly.

Pioneer, the leading provider of plasma panels for the commercial marketplace, is breaking new ground by offering a versatile, robust open architectural foundation with a variety of plug-in capabilities. The Avocent Wireless VGA plug-in module for Pioneers Expansion Solutionsä card interface eliminates the need for cabling between a PC and each plasma screen", said Josh Kairoff, Director of Plasma Display Engineering for Pioneer.

This capability is extremely useful for applications like digital signage and conference room projection. Using a wireless solution often is simpler, more cost efficient and flexible than installing a PC with each display. We anticipate that our customers will benefit by the many opportunities opened up by this new technology," Kairoff said.

The Avocent Wireless VGA plug-in module fits seamlessly into the Expansion Solutions data slot interface located in the Pioneer plasma panel. Avocent designed the module to be easily installed and instantly functional. No new software, operating systems or drivers are required.

The Avocent Wireless technology streams video and audio using a standard 802.11a design. Content sent from the source computer to up to eight plasma panels is encrypted using AES for secure connectivity. The Avocent Wireless VGA plug-in supports XGA resolution, 1024x768, and transmits video at 30 frames per second.

"The market for large information displays is expected to see 26% compound annual growth over the next five years and companies using those displays will be expecting flexibility in their connectivity options," said Bob O'Donnell, IDC, Director, Personal Technology.

The Avocent Wireless VGA plug-in solution for the Pioneer PDP-504CMX and the PDP-434CMX plasma panels includes a wireless transmitter and a plug-in module for the plasma. The transmitter connects to the PC and the local keyboard/video/mouse and serves as the radio interface link allowing the content located on the PC to be easily displayed on plasmas contained in the digital signage configuration.

Avocent will demonstrate plug-and-play, high quality wireless video broadcasting in the Avocent booth, # 4555, at InfoComm June 9-11 in Atlanta.

The wireless plug-in module will be available for sale from Avocent in the third quarter of this year. More details are available online, www.avocent.com/wireless.

About Avocent Corporation
Avocent Corporation is the leading supplier of connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers, service providers and financial institutions worldwide. Branded products include KVM switching, extension, intelligent platform management interface (IPMI), remote access and video display solutions. Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com

About Pioneer Corporation
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 35,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding market opportunity, product development, engineering and design activities, and product availability and operability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the risks associated with general economic conditions, risks attributable to future product demand, sales, and expenses, risks associated with product design efforts and the introduction of new products and technologies, risks associated with reliance on a limited number of component suppliers and single source components, and risk associated with obtaining and protecting intellectual property rights. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in Avocents annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Avocent, the Avocent logo, and The Power of Being There are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation. All other trademarks or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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