Sky Italia Selects Universal Electronics to Provide Remote Control Devices and Accessories for the Italian Market
Jun 14, 2007
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CYPRESS, Calif., Jun 14, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) today announced an agreement between its wholly owned subsidiary Universal Electronics BV and SKY Italia S.R.L. to provide remote control devices and accessories for a new Sky Italia retail product line. SKY Italia, the leading provider of digital Pay TV in Italy with over 4 million subscribers, will utilize three UEI remote controls as part of a new accessories line-up. UEI was selected for its world-class infrared (IR) database and its design capabilities in wireless control technology devices.
The deal brings together a worldwide leader in wireless remote control technology with the premier Italian Pay TV platform, known for its innovative products such as the "MySky" digital recording receiver. UEI will provide three remote control devices for the line-up, to be branded under the Sky Italia label: for Standard Set-top boxes; for "MySky" recording receivers; and for High Definition (HD) Set-top boxes. The agreement also provides for UEI to supply accessories such as cables and adaptors.
Known for its world-class database of IR codes for controlling virtually any consumer electronics device, UEI continues to expand its presence in wireless control technology throughout Europe. UEI's broad library encompasses over 307,000 device codes covering more than 3,100 consumer electronics brands to date. As European consumers continue adopting new digital devices and services, UEI is committed to ensuring compatibility and ease of control for these devices.
"Partnering with Sky Italia gives us instant presence in one of the most dynamic markets in Europe," says Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer for UEI. "The Sky brand represents excitement and innovation, and participating in their retail product expansion plans in Italy opens a whole new market for our diverse portfolio of technologies. We're looking forward to growing this business with Sky Italia."
"We are happy to be working with UEI on this important project," says Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Sky Italia. "We are confident this retail initiative will help our subscribers by clearly defining Sky Italia authorized and tested accessories. We're pleased to partner with UEI to ensure the best levels of quality and customer service."
The new Sky products are slated to be available in the Italian retail market in June of 2007.
About Universal Electronics
Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) is the global leader in wireless control technology for the connected home. UEI designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems. The company's broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control software have been adopted by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast, and computing industries. UEI sells and licenses wireless control products through distributors and retailers under the One For All(R) brand name. UEI also delivers complete home control solutions in the professional custom installation market under the brand name Nevo(R), as well as software solutions for digital media control and enjoyment in the consumer and OEM markets under the brand SimpleCenter(TM).
About Sky Italia
Sky Italia, the Italian digital Pay TV platform, started operations on July 31, 2003. As of May 2007, the number of Sky Italia subscribers is more than 4.17 million. Sky Italia offers a variety of channels to satisfy the varied interests and passions of the Italian market: the best in cinema, high profile sports, entertainment, news, documentaries, travel, music and children's channels. The Sky Italia digital platform includes over 150 theme channels, with audio, Pay per View and interactive services for the entire family. Sky Italia is 100% owned by the News Corporation.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development, ordering, delivery and market acceptance of products and technologies identified in this release; the Company's continued ability to design products in a fashion that results in its technology being accepted by the companies customers and the end users; the continued importance of the Company's database of codes and other technologies; the continued growth in the markets identified in this release to occur as anticipated by management; and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.
SOURCE: Universal Electronics Inc.
Blanc & Otus Public Relations (Media for UEI)
Stephanie Trussell, 415-341-6511
strussell@blancandotus.com