Video Game Console and Digital Television Manufacturers Team Up to Usher in
New Era for High-Definition Gaming
NEW YORK, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics, a global HDTV
leader, and Microsoft Corp., a leading force in the software and video game
industries, today announced an alliance to elevate gaming to the next level
through high-definition technology. Microsoft has chosen Samsung as the
exclusive HDTV worldwide marketing partner for the next-generation Xbox(R)
high-definition (HD) gaming platform. The announcement was made today during
the Home Entertainment Expo at the New York Hilton.
The next-generation Xbox/Samsung HDTV combination is designed to deliver
the most advanced and realistic high-definition experience to gamers
worldwide. To promote the HD Era, the companies plan to place over 25,000
Samsung high-definition televisions in Microsoft(R) Xbox retail kiosk
locations across the globe.
"Gaming has become a primary force for innovation in the entertainment and
technology industries. Samsung has selected Microsoft Xbox as the best
next-generation game console and a key driver in the global HDTV revolution,"
said Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President Consumer Electronics & North
America Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "Samsung is
proud to expand the Microsoft relationship and stand with them at the
forefront of the HD gaming century."
"Samsung is a natural partner to showcase the richness of the
next-generation Xbox," said Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide
Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft. "Samsung HDTVs will provide
Xbox enthusiasts with the truest high-definition gaming experience available."
The alliance is the culmination of a global process begun by Microsoft in
October 2004 to find the most advanced and formidable visual display company
to join with the new-generation Xbox video game console. A wide variety of
visual display screen sizes and technology platforms from Samsung Electronics
(LCD, Plasma, Micro Display - DLP and Slim Fit HDTV CRT's) combined with the
incredible new Xbox console will give gamers unprecedented realism and
intensity in their gameplay. The new 23" Samsung LCD TV (LNR238W) to be
paired at retail with the new Xbox console offers a super-fast 12 millisecond
pixel switching speed, which will enable intense action while overcoming any
motion artifacts. In addition, the Fixed Pixel Device eliminates scan lines,
further ensuring gameplay is smooth and flicker-free. Picture quality combines
with advanced audio technology to create an incredible gaming experience.
Samsung's HDTV built-in speakers emulate the most realistic surround sound
using SRS Tru-surround XT so the action feels even closer. Game enthusiasts
will no doubt appreciate the sharper details, deeper contrast and rich sound
that are standard on a Samsung HDTV.
The global marketing and promotional alliance between Microsoft and
Samsung Electronics will drive the HDTV gaming platform as the greatest
emotional experience available for gamers around the world. The alliance will
include cinema, POS, television, print, on-line and various other media
efforts.
Samsung Electronics and Microsoft enjoy a long-standing relationship as
strategic and tactical business partners. Microsoft Xbox currently
incorporates Samsung technology, and Samsung will continue to be a tech driver
for the next-generation Xbox video game console. Microsoft's first
high-definition game will incorporate Samsung-branded products as well as
instances of Samsung's logo as part of the overall HD gaming experience. This
will mark the first time Microsoft incorporates a consumer electronics
technology partner with the Xbox console and games.
The companies are involved in other collaborative technology efforts as
well. Samsung Smartphones incorporate the Windows Mobile(TM) platform; Windows
Media(R) Audio and Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 (Windows Media
DRM 10) are integrated with Samsung digital audio players; Samsung's new
Portable Media Centers feature Windows Media Audio and Video and DRM 10; and
the Microsoft Windows(R) platform is used across Samsung's global family of
notebooks and personal computers.
As a part of their continued relationship, Microsoft and Samsung
Electronics are uniting in a nationwide (USA) cause-marketing program entitled
"Samsung's Hope For Education." Now in its second year, the program will
deliver more than $2 million in much needed technology and software products,
including Encarta(R) Reference Library 2005, to elementary, middle and high
schools across America through an on-line essay contest. For more information
on how to enter, please visit: http://www.HopeForEducation.com
About Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that
brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment
experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games,
powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live(TM) online service. The tag line,
"It's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of
the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North
America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
(SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad
range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information
systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North
American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America,
Samsung Electronics Canada and Samsung Electronics Mexico. Please visit
http://www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor,
telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies, with
2004 parent company sales of US$55.2 billion and net income of US$10.3
billion. Employing approximately 123,000 people in 93 offices in 48
countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance
Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and
Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing
global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs,
memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs.
Microsoft, Xbox, Windows Mobile, Windows Media, Windows, Encarta and Xbox
Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the
United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
|
