Editor’s note:
References and hyperlinks to some products have been removed since publish date due to changes in product availability.
REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 20, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. zooms into the burgeoning digital camera accessory market today as it unveils its TV Photo Viewer, an easy-to-use, sleek, compact device designed to extend the viewing and sharing of digital photos from the home office to the living room.
For the first time, it’s a snap for families to view digital photo albums on their home TV screen with friends and relatives. The Microsoft® TV Photo Viewer provides the more than 10 million digital camera users with an addition to the technology they already own.
“The digital camera market continues to rise in popularity,” said Kristy Holch, principal, InfoTrends Research Group. “This is an excellent time for Microsoft to be entering the market with a simple, reasonably priced device that enables consumers to extend the use of their digital cameras and pictures. Viewing photos on the TV is a great concept.”
TV Photo Viewer offers sharp image technology, an easy-to-use software application and simple setup, making it possible for anyone in the family to transform digital images into
high-quality photo albums for TV viewing. In three simple steps, the TV Photo Viewer enables families to organize, view and share digital photos.
Any photos in JPEG format can be used, whether they are uploaded from a digital camera, e-mail, a scanner or developed pictures. Using a PC, consumers can select up to 40 photos and save them to a standard floppy disk. Photos can then be sorted, cropped or rotated; captions or numbers can be added; and a title page inserted. Microsoft’s proprietary software technology optimizes each photo for excellent image quality on the TV screen. Finally, users insert the floppy disk into the TV Photo Viewer, to instantly see their digital album on the television. TV Photo Viewer is easy enough for anyone in the family to use, from kids to grandparents.
Consumers place a high value on the ability to share digital photos in a social setting, according to Darrell West, director of marketing for Hardware at Microsoft. “Based on extensive user research, we discovered that digital camera owners are satisfied with their digital cameras and are looking for new ways to view and share digital photos in the home,” West said. “Microsoft is proud to offer a solution that addresses consumer needs and allows families to get even more out of the digital camera and PC they already enjoy.”
TV Photo Viewer features make it easy to share digital photos:
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Works with any popular digital camera. The user’s JPEG photo files — whether from a digital camera, e-mail, scanners or Web sites — can be seen on the TV screen using the TV Photo Viewer.
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Appropriate for users of all ages.* TV Photo Viewer’s five-button remote control, simple design and effortless setup allow for easy operation by children and adults. Regardless of the user’s level of expertise, it’s a snap to get the TV Photo Viewer up and running in minutes.
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Delivers excellent image quality. TV Photo Viewer proprietary software optimizes the shape, size and color depth of each individual picture, resulting in stunning image quality and clarity on virtually any television.
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Excellent for business applications. TV Photo Viewer is an easy way for business people to make impressive presentations by converting their Microsoft Power Point® slides into JPEG files.
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Features advanced editing capabilities. Microsoft Picture It!® Express 2001
photo-editing software is included, giving customers a way to improve their photos or make creative projects such as greeting cards and calendars.
TV Photo Viewer’s remote control allows users to direct a slide show from anywhere in the room and because the device, which connects to the television via a standard RCA video cable, can remain permanently plugged in, setup and repeat performances are uncomplicated.
TV Photo Viewer is a timely gift for anyone who wants to share photos, even those family members or friends who don’t own a digital camera. Since TV Photo Viewer software is also available as a free download on the Web, it is simple to make digital photo albums to give to anyone who owns TV Photo Viewer.
Microsoft TV Photo Viewer will be available to consumers on Sept. 20, 2001, for an estimated retail price of $159 (U.S.). TV Photo Viewer is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft in the United States.
System Requirements
To get the full benefits of the TV Photo Viewer, users need the following:
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An NTSC television with composite (RCA-style) video input (Televisions without composite video input but with a coaxial input require a powered RF modulator, which is not included.)
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A standard 1.44MB high-density 3.5-inch disk (one blank disk included)
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Two standard AA batteries (included)
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A digital camera, scanner or other source of digital photos
Users need the following to use Microsoft TV Photo Viewer software:
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A multimedia PC with a 166MHz or higher Pentium-class processor and compatible 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
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The Microsoft Windows® 98, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me), Windows XP or Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system
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32 MB of RAM for Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows Me; 64 MB for Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP
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100 MB of available hard disk space
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250 MB of total available hard disk space if Microsoft Picture It! software is also installed
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4x or faster CD-ROM drive
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Super VGA, 16-bit or higher color monitor (24-bit recommended)
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Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 or later browser software to view Help
Users need the following to use additional Internet functions:
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A 28.8Kbps or faster modem
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MAPI-compatible e-mail
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Internet access via MSN® Internet Access or another Internet service provider
Microsoft Hardware employs innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that improve the software experience and strengthen the connection between users and their PCs.
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.
* Children should be supervised by an adult.
Microsoft, PowerPoint, Picture It!, Windows and MSN 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.
For online product information: Visit the Microsoft TV Photo Viewer Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/tvphotoviewer/ .
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.
