CONNECTIX SHIPS CONNECTIX VIDEOPHONE FOR WINDOWS AND MACINTOSH

Affordable and easy to use videoconferencing for business users

SAN MATEO, CA, OCTOBER 13, 1995 -- Connectix Corporation released this
month the first low-cost videoconferencing solution for business and home
office use. Connectix VideoPhone includes the world's leading digital
camera, QuickCam, and robust, field-proven software technologies for
videoconferencing. A software-only version that takes advantage of any
available video input device (Video for Windows or Apple's QuickTime,
depending on platform) was also released. Both versions work over standard
high-speed networks (TCP/IP; or AppleTalk for Mac, Netware for PCs).

Placing a call with Connectix VideoPhone is simple. Users select "Call"
from the file menu and pick the person to conference with. Network routing
is taken care of automatically, so connecting with colleagues takes just
seconds. In addition to sharing video and sound, Connectix VideoPhone
provides a collaborative whiteboard for exchanging information quickly and
conveniently, the ability to take pictures, record the conference (Mac
version only), full multicast broadcasting support, SMNP/MIME compliant
video messaging capabilities, and more.

"Connectix is the first vendor to offer low-cost videoconferencing
solutions for both Macintosh and Windows users," said Roy McDonald,
president and CEO of Connectix. "By basing our solution on the remarkably
affordable Connectix QuickCam, we are able to offer true business-quality
videoconferencing for the first time at under $150 (street price) a seat.
Now it becomes practical for large organizations to deploy this technology
on a wide basis."

Connectix VideoPhone does not require a video capture card, therefore
installation is simple and does not require opening the computer. Video is
captured via the parallel port or serial port, depending on platform. The
software installation is automatic and takes only a few minutes. In
addition to the videoconferencing software, Connectix VideoPhone includes
software for users to send video mail, and create stand alone movies and
still pictures.

FULL-FEATURED VIDEOCONFERENCING SOFTWARE

Connectix VideoPhone provides an affordable solution without sacrificing
quality or features. The sharing tools enhance communications by allowing
users to mark up documents and share comments simultaneously, making group
decisions faster and more convenient. The multicast broadcast support
allows organizations to set up training, security, or company-wide
presentations easily and quickly. Connectix provides free multicast
broadcast viewing software that can be freely distributed, so
organizations can have every user receive broadcasts, even if they don't
have a video-equipped computer.

The National Semiconductor NSVideo video compressor has been licensed by
Connectix and is supplied on both platforms. NSVideo provides
state-of-the-art, real-time video compression. Not only is the compression
faster and better quality than those provided with QuickTime and Video for
Windows, but users can adjust it for performance and quality as needs
arise. For example, to reduce network load or get higher frame rates over
slower channels (one ISDN B channel, for instance), the user might set the
number of key frames to be less frequent and the compression quality to a
slightly lower setting. On local area networks with plenty of bandwidth,
the user might adjust NSVideo to perform better quality compression with
more key frames. Making these adjustments is easy, and even set to its
lowest levels, NSVideo provides state-of-the art compression with
excellent picture quality and frame rates.

Other standard features in Connectix VideoPhone include full duplex sound,
multiple simultaneous users (Mac version), security/privacy controls, and
conference recording (Mac version). Connectix VideoPhone is supported by a
one-year hardware warranty, 7-day a week toll-free tech support, and a
30-day money-back guarantee.

LOWEST COST SOLUTION

Current videoconferencing solutions are typically $1000 per user and more
due to expensive hardware/software configurations that require an NTSC
camera, digitizer board, hardware compressors, and software package. With
an expected street price of around $150, businesses will find that
deploying videoconferencing has suddenly become affordable. Connectix
VideoPhone makes configuration and setup easy, since the installer need
not open or configure the hardware in any special way. If the computer is
already connected to a network or an ISDN line, a Connectix VideoPhone can
be added to that machine and fully functional in less than three minutes.
For users who already have video hardware, the Connectix VideoPhone
software is also available separately, with an expected street price of
under $60.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION IS MADE SIMPLE

Connectix VideoPhone uses Netware or TCP/IP based networks on Windows-based
PCs, or an AppleTalk-based or TCP/IP network on Macs. In most cases, users
have the connection necessary to begin videoconferencing. Connectix
VideoPhone makes network setup simple by working with most network
configurations right out of the box. Wide area use is possible with an
ISDN or faster link. Both Mac and Windows versions are automatically set
for your network during installation, and the Macintosh version uses Apple
Guide to step the user through their preferences and show them how to
change them.

SUPPORTS ANY VIDEO DEVICE

The Connectix VideoPhone software is written to standard Video for Windows
or QuickTime specifications. In addition to using the included QuickCam
camera, virtually any video capture device may be used. With video capture
cards, an NTSC camera, videotape recorder, or TV tuner may be used in
conjunction with Connectix VideoPhone's multicast ability for businesses
wishing to broadcast training videos or corporate announcements -- the
possibilities are limitless.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY THROUGHOUT THE US

Connectix VideoPhone has a suggested retail price of $249US, with expected
street price as low as $150, and is widely available through Connectix
distribution channel at over 6,000 retail locations, including CompUSA,
Egghead, Computer City, and Micro Center. Connectix VideoPhone is also
available in virtually every country outside the U.S. through Connectix
extensive international distribution system.

FUTURES

The Connectix VideoPhone software for Macintosh was developed by Apple
Computer Inc. using their QuickTime and QuickTime Conferencing
technologies. Connectix is committed to extending and enhancing the basic
technology provided by Apple. Connectix recently acquired InVision, one of
the leading PC videoconferencing vendors, and the InVision technology
forms the core of the Windows version of Connectix VideoPhone. Connectix
VideoPhone version 1.0 represents the first of many steps Connectix will
take to provide leading edge videoconferencing technology to businesses
and consumers. Both versions already look and operate alike, reducing
training costs, and the next release will improve the interoperability of
the products, both across platforms and with other videoconferencing
products.

"We intend to make Connectix VideoPhone the leading videoconferencing
solution," said Thom Hogan, Group Product Manager for applications at
Connectix. "Since the first video phones were shown at the World's Fair
[NY 1963], everyone has expected that someday we'd all be communicating
with them. Connectix intends to make that possible by providing
state-of-the-art videoconferencing products at consumer prices."

Founded in 1988 and based in San Mateo, CA, Connectix Corp. designs,
manufactures, distributes and publishes award-winning personal computer
enhancement products. The company's flagship products include QuickCam,
RAM Doubler, Speed Doubler, and Connectix VideoPhone. For more
information, contact Connectix at 800.950.5880, 415.571.5100 or fax
415.571.5195. The company can also be contacted for more info via
AppleLink or America OnLine at "Connectix" and CompuServe 75300,1546, or
via the Internet at: www.connectix.com
 
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