News Details

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2005--Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (Nasdaq:UEIC) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Universal Electronics BV has entered into a supply relationship with Multichoice as its new provider of remote control solutions. Universal Electronics will provide dedicated and universal remote controls to Multichoice's digital satellite subscriber base.

With over 1.2 million subscribers in nearly 50 countries in Africa, the adjacent Indian Ocean Islands as well as Greece and Cyprus, Multichoice is the premier provider of digital satellite television entertainment in Africa. Multichoice was the second company in the world to introduce digital satellite television and grew from an analog pay-TV channel M-Net to be the pioneer of multi-channel digital satellite television on the African continent.

The UEI-built Multichoice offerings include a single, dedicated, custom designed remote control, and an advanced, more full-featured universal remote with personal video recording, TV, and AMP control functions. Additionally, each remote is ergonomically designed to provide ease of use for the customer and a flexible platform for Multichoice.

"We are pleased to work with Universal Electronics in providing a universal control solution to our subscribers," said Gerdus van Eerden of Multichoice. "Just as we are committed to delivering the highest quality services to our subscribers, we are confident that Universal Electronics, with its experience in this market, will do the same with our dedicated and PVR remotes."

With almost 20 years experience in the control space, a strong patent portfolio, and an industry-leading code library to control a multitude of devices, UEI has continued to deliver quality products with the flexibility, customization, and technology to meet the demands of an increasingly complex home environment. Its code library covering over 2,500 brands and over 216,000 device function codes ensure compatibility with the latest devices all over the world, from televisions and DVDs to Audio/Video equipment, personal video recorders (PVRs), and even lights and air conditioning.

"Being able to control devices and enjoying their content in the home is as universal a challenge as the remotes we create for this very purpose," said Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Electronics. "Our ability to now offer a solution for Multichoice and to the South African market verifies our dedication to continue delivering complete control, anywhere in the world."

About Universal Electronics

Universal Electronics Inc., based in Southern California, develops firmware and turnkey solutions as well as software designed to enable consumers to wirelessly connect, control and interact with an increasingly complex home environment. The company's primary markets include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in consumer electronics and personal computing, as well as multiple system operators in the cable and satellite subscription broadcasting markets. For nearly 20 years, the company has developed a broad portfolio of patented technologies and the industry's leading database of home connectivity software that it licenses to its customers, including many leading Fortune 500 companies. In addition, UEI sells its universal wireless control products and other audio/visual accessories through its European headquarters in The Netherlands, and to distributors and retailers in Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand under the One For All(R) brand name. More information about UEI can be obtained at http://www.uei.com.

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 becoming the standard for handheld devices; the continued importance of the Company's database of codes; 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.

CONTACT: Blanc & Otus
Stephanie Trussell, 415-856-5162
strussell@blancandotus.com

SOURCE: Universal Electronics Inc.