Tri-Vision V-chip licensing update
March 15 2006 - 8:14AM
PR Newswire (US)
SYMBOL: TVL TORONTO, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tri-Vision
International Ltd./Ltee (TSX:TVL) is pleased to recognize this date
which marks the beginning of a new era in the Company's V-chip
licensing program. March 15, 2006 is the official start of the
United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate to
include flexible V-chip in digital television receivers with or
without associated display in the United States. On August 4, 2004,
the FCC issued a mandate to ensure v-chip can be modified in all
digital television receivers subject to a phase in period that has
now ended. Tri-Vision is of the belief that it's Canadian and US
patented V-chip technology is the only known flexible v-chip
technology capable of accepting modified or new rating systems in
digital televisions sold in the United States. The Company's
licensing campaign for it's US patent No. 5,828,402, which began as
an information program in October 2004 and entered a second phase
in September 2005, now includes 17 licensees. To date Tri-Vision
has received non-binding communications of intent to license it's
US Patent from an additional 23 companies. By Tri-Vision estimate
inclusion of licenses from these companies will increase the
Company's percentage of televisions sold under license in the
United States to between 55 and 65 percent. The Company is also in
talks with a large number of other brand name and manufacturing
companies. Statistical projections are not yet available for the
emerging set-top-box, computer or mobile television market. The
manufacturer intent list includes companies which, when licensing
is completed, will satisfy a Dell Inc. commitment to procure its
branded television sets from suppliers under Tri-Vision Licenses in
Canada and the United States. Dell Inc. joins major companies
including Sharp, Hitachi, Funai, Orion, Pioneer, and Seiko Epson
who have recognized Tri-Vision's technology for both countries.
Tri-Vision's successful licensing campaign for its Canadian Patent
No. 2,179,474 now accounts for approximately 98-percent of
televisions sold by electronics manufacturers and or brand name
companies. Work is continuing to reach the Company's goal of
providing licensing for all televisions sold in Canada. "I would
like to thank the many companies we are dealing with for the
cordial and professional manner in which they are approaching
Tri-Vision commercial licensing effort," stated Tri-Vision CEO
Najmul Siddiqui. "These are complicated agreements designed to
provide securities for both parties covering the next 10 years. I
am pleased that our long-term policy of taking the time and
considerable effort to license on a commercial basis, using the
legal option as a very last resort is proving to be the correct
plan. It is a plan we have every confidence will be successful,"
Siddiqui added. About Tri-Vision International Ltd/Ltee Tri-Vision
International Ltd/Ltee is a public company founded in 1986. Shares
of the Company trade on Canada's Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under
the symbol TVL. Tri-Vision operates two wholly owned subsidiaries:
Tri-Vision Electronics Inc. and Think Broadband Solutions Inc.
Tri-Vision Electronics Inc. - Owns the sole rights to U.S. V-chip
Patent No. 5,828,402 and Canadian V-chip Patent No. 2,179,474 and
licenses V-chip globally. This subsidiary also markets Data Video
Distribution System, Secure Pay TV, Addressable Pay TV (pay per
view), Hotel Pay TV and Cable TV equipment worldwide. Think
Broadband Solutions Inc. - is an authorized Canadian Distributor to
Canada's broadband industry for Scientific Atlanta, Andrew
Corporation and Samsung. Think Broadband specializes in in-country
equipment sales and supply, logistical support, niche product
design and development, in-house and offshore manufacturing
capabilities. To receive Company news releases, please email and
mention "TVL news" on the subject line. To find out more about
Tri-Vision International Ltd. (TSX: TVL), visit our website at
http://www.tri-vision.ca/. DATASOURCE: Tri-Vision International
Ltd. CONTACT: CHF Investor Relations: Cathy Hume, CEO, Tel: (416)
868-1079 ext. 231, Email: ; or Jeanny So, Broker Relations
Specialist, Tel: (416) 868-1079 ext. 225, Email:
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