Canadian Computer Manufacturers Catch the Media Center PC Wave

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 3, 2003 — Microsoft Canada Co. today announced that Mind Computer Products, Seanix Technology Inc. and Supercom Canada Ltd. have joined the growing roster of manufacturers now shipping PCs running Microsoft® Windows®
XP Media Center Edition. Canadian consumers will be able to choose from six new Media Center PC models available at retail outlets throughout Canada, including Compucentre, CompuSmart, Future Shop, RadioShack and Staples, and a host of independent resellers as well as online.

Windows XP Media Center Edition brings consumers a fully integrated digital entertainment experience on the PC with the freedom and convenience of simple remote control access. Windows XP Media Center Edition was launched last October in Canada and the United States with the debut of the HP Media Center PC, which received strong consumer response and media acclaim.

“We are pleased to have Mind, Seanix and Supercom on board to offer more PC choices to Canadian consumers,”
said Greg Barber, director of the Home and Entertainment Division at Microsoft Canada Co.
“These new OEMs also expand distribution of Media Center PCs via their national retail partners and affiliated independent computer resellers, making it easier than ever for Canadians to test-drive the amazing new digital entertainment experiences offered by Windows XP Media Center Edition before they buy.”

Mind Computer Products’ offering includes the Mind Media Master and eXtreme Media Master PCs. More closely related in design to a stereo component than a PC, the case looks right at home in an entertainment center. The eXtreme Media Master can be found at CompuSmart and Compucentre stores across Canada and online at http://www.extremepc.ca/. The Mind Media Master series is available through the company’s affiliated retailers throughout Canada; a list of those retailers can be found at h http://www.mind.ca/.

Supercom Canada’s new Touch Media Center PC comes in a 7-inch-high black, silver or beige ultracompact case. The PC’s sleek and compact design makes it an easy fit in even the most space-challenged settings. The built-to-order (BTO) Proteva Media Center PC will be available exclusively at Staples, The Business Depot stores in Canada. The prebuilt and BTO of the Touch Media Center PC will be available from more than 3,000 independent dealers, VARs and resellers coast to coast. Supercom also will offer BTO models under its Magion and Avado brands.

Seanix Technology will offer two Media Center PC models. The Seanix CS Series Media Centre PC will be available at retailers including Visions Electronics and A & B Sound. Seanix also manufactures the Cicero Media Centre PC, which will be available at all Future Shop locations.

“Consumer interest in Media Center PCs has been growing by leaps and bounds, and we’re pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to find the model that best suits their entertainment interests and lifestyles,”
said Rick Lotman, senior vice president of Merchandising and Marketing for Future Shop.
“Our customers look to us to get it first when it comes to the latest in digital technology, and we’re pleased to demonstrate the new world of digital entertainment possibilities they can explore with a Media Center PC.”

The roster of Canadian PC manufacturers offering Windows XP Media Center Edition also includes Tagar Systems, which announced its series of Media Center PCs in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Tagar Systems’ DeZinor, LoKator and KonTrol Media Center PCs are available to Canadian consumers at retail and online from RadioShack and The Brick.

“Windows XP Media Center Edition is an ideal choice for OEMs that want to be where the action is as the PC evolves to the next level,”
said Tim McKinnon, president of Tagar Systems.
“We are excited by the ‘wow factor’ of the Media Center PC, and we know that consumer anticipation is high. When we announced upcoming availability of our new series of Media Center PCs in Las Vegas, we were thrilled to receive preorders on the spot.”

About Windows XP Media Center Edition

Windows XP Media Center Edition turns a PC into a media center that integrates digital entertainment experiences — including live television, personal video recording, digital music, digital video, DVDs and photos — with the freedom of remote-control access. A new experience called Media Center serves as a unified destination for entertainment on the Media Center PC and is designed to be viewed from anywhere in the room. Building on the rich media capabilities of Windows Media®
Player, Windows XP Media Center Edition is ideal for digital media enthusiasts, technology aficionados and consumers in small, space-constrained environments.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media 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.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at h http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp.

Supporting Quotes from PC Manufacturers

“Our Media Master PCs with Windows XP Media Center Edition complement our existing product line and will create new growth opportunities for us in the consumer market segment. We are looking forward to offering our customers greater control and flexibility when it comes to the way they experience media.”

  • Brad Fry
    CEO
    Mind Computer Products

“Because a growing number of consumers are interested in digital media, we can see the PC becoming the ultimate entertainment center for many people. Our Media Centre PCs and Windows XP Media Center Edition provide the ideal combination of digital entertainment and computing capabilities: to enable our customers to enjoy the best of what a home PC has to offer.”

  • Ingo Seibert
    Vice President of Sales
    Seanix Technology

“All of us at Supercom Canada are thrilled to support the innovation that’s taking place as technology blends with media, making new and highly personalized experiences available to consumers. We look forward to continuing to explore the new and exciting possibilities that go along with technology such as Windows XP Media Center Edition.”

  • Edman Lau
    Senior Product Manager
    Supercom Canada

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