Zenith, U.S. Robotics Join Forces On Enhanced Cable Modem Systems; Telco
Return Option Benefits One-Way Cable Systems

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 1996--Zenith Electronics
Corporation (NYSE:ZE) and U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX) today unveiled a new
cable modem system that will enable the vast majority of cable operators
with one-way systems to deliver lightning-fast data capabilities to their
subscribers.

The advanced system -- based on Zenith's HomeWorks Universal cable modems
and the U.S. Robotics Total Control Enterprise Network Hub -- capitalizes
on Zenith's strengths in cable modems and broadband communications, and
U.S. Robotics strengths in information access technologies. This marketing
relationship with Zenith marks U.S. Robotics' first venture in the cable
industry.

By providing a dial-up upstream path for data, the Total Control Enterprise
Network Hub allows cable operators to offer Internet access using
off-the-shelf technology now -- without waiting to upgrade their systems
to two-way cable technology. This new telco return system, which will be
marketed as part of Zenith's MetroAccess cable modem product family, will
deliver the high-speed "V.Everything" dial-up capabilities of the U.S.
Robotics Total Control Enterprise Network Hub for the upstream
communications, and the ultra high-speed cable downstream supplied by
Zenith's HomeWorks Universal cable modem.

Strong Partnership

"We are addressing the immediate needs of one-way operators who want to get
into the data business today by offering the option of a telco return
cable modem product," William G. Luehrs, president of the Zenith Network
Systems division, said today at the National Cable Television Association
convention. "The U.S. Robotics headend system is an essential ingredient
to the system, because an overwhelming number of cable systems are still
one-way, and they demand a telco return option." Kathy Wolfe, division
vice president and general manager, data products, Zenith Network Systems,
said, "We chose to work with U.S. Robotics because of its expertise in
information access technology. By incorporating their equipment to provide
a telco return alternative into the MetroAccess product family, we are
confident the complete solution is well-positioned for today's cable modem
needs."

Natural Progression for U.S. Robotics

"Partnering with Zenith, a leader in cable modems, represents a natural
evolution for our existing information access technology. The Total
Control Enterprise Network Hub is designed for flexibility, and this
application is a prime example of how our products are suited to a variety
of applications," said Ross Manire, senior vice president and general
manager of U.S. Robotics Corporate/Systems Division.

"By adding this cable solution, U.S. Robotics continues to find new
strategies to serve all information access markets, said Donald Mulder,
vice president, strategic planning for U.S. Robotics Corporate/Systems
Division. "We are constantly looking for new ways to serve potential
customers, and with this announcement, we now add cable operators to that
list."

Solutions For Current Cable Environment

According to the latest research by the Yankee Group, 92 percent of the
homes in the U.S. are currently passed by cable, and about 62 million
homes currently subscribe to cable service. In addition, about 90 percent
of cable operators still have one-way transmission systems -- making the
need for a telco return path alternative essential to enable these one-way
cable operators to offer data services.

"There's a substantial market demand just waiting to be served as the cable
industry moves toward supplying Internet access," Mulder said. "Together
with Zenith, we recognized that one-way cable operators need a way to help
them enter this potentially profitable revenue-generating source right
now, instead of waiting to make the eventual migration to a two-way,
interactive system. There are time and cost considerations in that
migration, and our Total Control solution lets them get started faster.

"Our Total Control Enterprise Network Hub cable modem telco return system
is a solid, end-to-end solution for a return path over both analog and
ISDN," he said. "And if the cable modem market explodes in the next five
years as many expect it to, the Total Control Enterprise Network Hub is in
position to become the standard for the cable industry."

How it Works

Zenith's HomeWorks Universal will interface with a standard analog modem,
which will also be tied into U.S. Robotics advanced headend equipment for
the upstream data. This hook-up increases upstream access speed, and the
cable modem will deliver its usual high-speed data rates in the
downstream.

The telco return system's speed can also be increased by substituting an
ISDN upstream connection. An ISDN return path would be supported by a
Courier I-modem or Sportster ISDN 128K at the client site and the PRI
(Primary Rate Interface) Access System added to the Total Control
Enterprise Network Hub at the central site.

"HomeWorks Universal now creates a new access for more cable subscribers to
get online and get a taste of the high-speed data rates a cable modem can
provide," Wolfe said. HomeWorks Universal cable modems support a variety
of applications including work-at-home, distance learning,
videoconferencing, advanced graphics, medical uses, and access to on-line
services and Internet access, she explained.

U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and
systems that provide access to information. The company designs,
manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise
communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and
telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog,
digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to,
manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include
Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies,
inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small
businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1995 sales
were $889.3 million; sales for the first six months of fiscal 1996 were
$819.3 million.

Zenith Electronics Corporation, based in Glenview, Ill., has been a leader
in electronics for more than 75 years. Zenith's core business -- Consumer
Electronics and Network Systems -- is at the center of the company s
digital strategy, which includes interactive television, digital video
disc players, digital and wireless cable, data communication and HDTV
systems. Zenith is the industry-leading supplier of high-speed cable
modems to more than 300 cable systems worldwide.
 
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