NEC TECHNOLOGIES INCREASES SPEED AND EASE-OF-USE WITH ITS MULTISPIN 6X
CD-ROM READERS

NEC gives users newfound speed for higher CD-ROM performance

Wood Dale, Ill., May 8, 1995 -- Continuing its leadership tradition in
CD-ROM technology, NEC Technologies, Inc. today announced the release of
its newest high-performance CD-ROM reader: the MultiSpin 6X. With the
MultiSpin 6X, users can experience the most advanced CD-ROM performance
paired with classic NEC ease-of-use, quality and commitment to user
convenience.

"The MultiSpin 6X represents the next step in CD-ROM technology," said Pat
Fobes, director of marketing for NEC Technologies' Advanced Media Group.
"There are CD-ROM users in the corporate, SOHO and home markets that want
the best CD-ROM performance available, and we are pleased to have the
technology to provide it. We've designed the MultiSpin 6X to give clear
benefits on all the CD-ROM software they use."

The MultiSpin 6X pushes CD-ROM performance to the next level by bringing
users forward from double- and quadruple-speeds to the higher data
transfer rates of "six-speed" technology. The MultiSpin 6X features a
900KB/sec. data transfer rate -- three times faster than a double-speed
reader. This 6X performance combined with a 145 ms average access time
(1/3 stroke test) and a 130 ms random seek time provides users the
unmatched speed needed for quick access to CD-ROM information. The
MultiSpin 6X is equipped with a 256 KB continuous flow cache, push-button
SCSI ID selection, RCA and video-out jacks and all the necessary cables
for immediate hook-up.

6X Performance for Unparalleled Speed

The MultiSpin 6X's 900 KB/sec. data transfer rate is 50 percent faster than
that of the standard 4X CD-ROM reader, and up to 200 percent faster than
traditional 2X CD-ROM readers. The higher the data transfer rate, the more
information is read from a CD-ROM at any one time. This factor means
faster results from database searches, smoother digital video and
animation playback and accelerated loading of large amounts of data, such
as large graphic images.

"Six-speed performance gives users tangible benefits on today's and
tomorrow's software," Fobes said. "Almost one megabyte of data is coming
off the CD-ROM per second. Whether an end-user is running a video clip,
loading a digital image or performing a database search, the overall
performance of the CD-ROM application greatly improves due to the
responsiveness of the MultiSpin 6X. This greatly enhances the end-users'
overall CD-ROM experience."

MultiSpin Ease-of-Use and More

The MultiSpin 6X possesses extreme versatility thanks to its combination of
high-speed performance and user-oriented convenience. NEC has always
stressed the entire CD-ROM experience, not just the need for better
performance. NEC's MultiSpin 6X is continuing proof of this philosophy. No
other manufacturer offers this marriage of high-performance and
ergonomics. The following new features have been added to the MultiSpin 6X
to make the MultiSpin CD-ROM experience more enjoyable, convenient and
hassle-free:

* Plug and Play Compatibility: The MultiSpin 6X is the first 6X CD-ROM
reader to comply with Microsoft's Plug and Play (PnP) standard. By simply
plugging the MultiSpin 6X into a computer equipped with a PnP SCSI
controller and PnP system BIOS, the system will instantly recognize,
install and configure the MultiSpin 6X, eliminating the
configuration/installation dilemma that users often face.

* CD Explorer Utility Software: Available with NEC's AT-160 SCSI interface
kit, CD Explorer software offers utilities that make on-demand
customization and setup ofthe MultiSpin 6X possible. CD Explorer's
features include:

* Configuration Manager: Changes CD-ROM settings like drive letter
  and MSCDEX location (low or high memory) without re-installation.
* Disc ID Utility: Identifies t,vpe of CD (standard data, audio, XA,
  CD-I, Multisession Photo, Multisession data, mixed mode).
* Control Panel: Allows users to adjust settings for the reader's
  cache usage, line-out volume, disc security (lock/unlock eject
  function), motor spin-down time and diagnostic functions.

In addition, the MultiSpin 6X incorporates many of the easy-to-use features
users look for and come to expect from NEC:

* Up-front Music Playback Controls: Users can easily play their favorite
music CDs on the MultiSpin 6X without having to use separate music
software or switch between running applications. 

* Backlit Status LCD: A backlit LCD provides users with important playback
information. Playback speed, track number, in-use and power indicators and
selfdiagnostic codes are all displayed.

* Rotating Double-Dust Doors and Self-Cleaning Lens: A revolving door
allows users to single-handedly load or eject a CD-ROM while providing
maximum dust protection for vital internal mechanisms. In addition, the
industry's only automatic lens cleaning system keeps MultiSpin 6X optics
dust-free.

* Simple Start and DriveCD Software: Simple Start allows PC users to
instantly install and configure their MultiSpin 6X with just a few mouse
clicks. For Macintosh systems, the caching capabilities and setup features
of Casa Blanca Works' DriveCD allows users to have more flexibility for
easy customization and setup of their system and MultiSpin 6X.

MultiSpin Compatibility

Designed for multiple-platform compatibility, the MultiSpin 6X works with
PC and PS/2 systems and Mac O/S. All MultiSpin CD-ROM readers are
compliant with current industry standards, including MPC Level 2
specifications, PnP, CD-I, CD+G, VideoCD playback, Kodak
Single/Multisession PhotoCD, QuickTime and new enhanced audio formats such
as CDPlus.

Upgrade Path

As in the past, NEC Technologies plans to offer an upgrade path to current
owners of NEC MultiSpin and other CD-ROM readers regardless of make or
speed. Details will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Availability and Pricing

The MultiSpin 6X is available in two forms: an external unit, the MultiSpin
6Xe, and an internal unit, the MultiSpin 6Xi. The MultiSpin 6Xe has an
Estimated Selling Price (ESP) of $599, while the ESP of the MultiSpin 6Xi
is $499. Both MultiSpin 6X models will be available through NEC' s
nationwide network of authorized resellers and at select superstores in
mid-May.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

Headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., NEC Technologies is a leading
manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market.
Award-winning product lines include the Image, PowerMate, Express/II and
Ready system products, RISC-based workstations and servers, Versa notebook
computers, the MultiSync XV, XE and XP monitors and presentation products,
Silentwriter and SuperScript printers and MultiSpin CD-ROM readers. NEC
Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies
1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
508-264-8000

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