Tektronix Introduces Next Generation Multimedia Desktops; XP400 Series Delivers Simultaneous...

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 1995--Tektronix (NYSE:TEK), a technology leader in both the enterprise computing and broadcast video industries, today introduced the next generation of high-performance integrated multimedia desktops for the commercial enterprise market.

The TekXpress(TM)

XP400 series X terminals deliver a balanced combination of rapid display manipulation and high-quality digital audio/video capabilities in an architecture designed to accommodate increasingly fast enterprise networks. Leveraging the expertise of Tektronix' Video Systems and Network Displays Divisions, the XP400 series is intended to provide business users with a single desktop solution for graphical access to network information and distributed multimedia applications.

Demonstrating its strategic commitment to partner with customers in developing new products, Tektronix sought input from a regional Bell operating company before equipping the XP400 series with cutting edge capabilities for a customer/operator environment. Employing an optional MPEG audio/video co-processor, the XP400 series is capable of displaying multiple high-performance X windows and simultaneous, broadcast-quality video and audio. In addition, the XP400 series' wide, 32 bit I/O architecture is designed to support emerging standards for fast enterprise networks, including ATM and 100Mb/s Ethernet.

"We see the enormous opportunities that multimedia offers for both our customers and Tektronix," said Lucie Fjeldstad, president of Tektronix' Video and Networking Division. "Companies increasingly use distributed video and audio to train employees, share information and work with customers," Fjeldstad continued. "We're offering the first business desktop built from the ground up for these sorts of applications. Products like the XP400 demonstrate how Tektronix intends to leverage its expertise in emerging networking and video industry standards and become the technology and market leader in the area of distributed multimedia."

The XP400 is the only platform offering balanced performance in all areas: video, X functionality, and network access. "Now that multimedia is taking hold in the enterprise, balanced performance counts more than just X-marks," noted David Pinckard, Tektronix' general manager for Network Displays. "We incorporated an optional hardware MPEG co-processor to manage the multimedia functions for the XP400, making it possible to see sustained full-motion (30 frame-per-second) digital video with continuous X performance of better than 3 X-marks. By contrast, machines that use only software MPEG see a dramatic drop-off in video performance when X applications are running.S The hardware MPEG solution reflects a synergy of Tektronix' experience in the converging industries of digital video and network computing.

The XP400 series offers an unmatched combination of capabilities and performance at a price point that makes sense for commercial enterprises. No other X terminal currently on the market offers hardware assisted video which delivers full-motion/full-screen digital video at TV industry quality. With Tek XpressWare, the industry leading X Window-based information software, the XP400 series can access network mainframe, legacy and UNIX applications. With Tektronix' groundbreaking WinDD(TM) software, users can display Microsoft Windows(TM) and other PC applications directly on the XP400 series desktop.

Tektronix is targeting the XP400 series at enterprises that have been early adopters of multimedia technology. Innovators in the telecommunications, financial services and retail industries have recently turned to networked digital video for customer service, kiosk applications and interactive learning. The XP400 series' performance and screen quality are also well-suited for special uses -- such as energy and seismic analysis and document retrieval and storage -- which require processing speed and large screen resolutions. (In fact, the XP421 is optimized for such applications.) The XP400 series' flexible design and optional features allow customers to add the capabilities that best suit their needs.

The XP400 series' design is intended to keep pace with the growing demand for speed in enterprise networks. Its 32 bit I/O architecture will support future high-speed Ethernet, ATM, or ISDN cards.

XP400 specifics, availability, and pricing

Standard features for each member of the XP400 series include a high performance LSI 33120 RISC processor, 8 MB of RAM, expandable to 136MB, 2 MB of VRAM, Twisted pair Ethernet interface, two RS-232C ports, display, integrated power supply, power cord and mouse. Options include an advanced MPEG digital video co-processor, audio co-processor, Thinnet and Thicknet interface, externally accessed dual-slot PCMCIA interface, flash memory, parallel port, keyboard (as an F-kit) and Sony 20" monitor (for the XP419C). Also available as an option is a Token Ring PCMCIA adapter card. All members of the XP400 series are Energy Star compliant. Volume shipments of the XP400 series (with the exception of the XP421CH) will begin in June. The XP421CH will begin shipping in the fall. -0-

The XP400 family:

Platform   Description          Resolution                Pricing(a)
XP400      logic base           1280x1024 at 72 Hz         $2,695
XP417C     color terminal       1280x1024 at 72 Hz         $3,295
XP419C     color terminal       1280x1024 at 72 Hz         $4,195
XP421CH    high resolution
           color terminal(TM)   1600x1188 at 70 Hz         $4,795
                                 and 1280x1024 at 75 Hz

(a) Includes Keyboard Optional Sony 20" monitor available

    For customer sales information, please call: 1-800-547-8949, or
visit the Tektronix Home Page on the Internet at http://www.tek.com
    Tektronix is a portfolio of measurement, color printing, video
systems, and network displays businesses dedicated to applying
technology excellence to customer challenges.  Tektronix is
headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon and has operations in 23
countries outside the United States.  Founded in 1946, the company
had revenues of $1.32 billion in fiscal 1994.
    -0-
    Note to Editors: Tektronix and Tek are registered trademarks and
TekXpress and WinDD are trademarks of Tektronix Inc.  All other trade
names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Tektronix VND

Kathy Archer, 503/685-2583

Internet: kathyar@miki.wv.tek.com

or

Sterling Communications

Kevin Pedraja, 408/428-0100

Internet: kmp@sterlingpr.com