Key Digital Systems to release a VGA adapter for Xbox
by VGLN Staff

Tuesday, January 1, 2002

It seems our hopes and dreams have been answered

Riverdale, NY (December 15, 2001) – On the cusp of the holiday gift-giving season, Key Digital Systems announces good news for video gamers and their loved ones. The company’s award-winning KD﷓CTCA2 “Clear Video 2” video adapter is able to easily and economically convert the Xbox™ Component digital video signal to VGA for display on standard multimedia monitors with VGA (RGBHV) input. The “Clear Video 2” adapter also converts digital signals from PlayStation2™ and other popular video games to VGA. The KD-CTCA2 was chosen from among hundreds of new products launched at CES 2002 to be honored with an “Innovations 2002” award, selected by a panel of industry experts for distinction based on its superiority in design and engineering.

UPGRADE Gaming Display With Higher Resolution (1280 x 720) Than HDTV
Video buffs using “Clear Video 2” to display Xbox on standard multimedia monitors will achieve superb 1280x720 graphic resolutions simply not possible when linking the Xbox directly to the HDTV display. Since the “Clear Video 2” KD-CTCA2 transcoder can drive two high-resolution monitors with just one signal, users don’t have to choose. They can upgrade their configuration to split the Component (YPrPb) Signal from Xbox and drive both the HDTV monitor AND the standard multimedia monitor of their PC.


Lower Cost Option to High Priced HDTV monitor
One incredible incentive for gamers to choose Key Digital’s “Clear Video 2” with standard multimedia monitor versus an expensive HDTV monitor is strictly financial. As they say, “money talks,” and consumers will quickly realize that they can achieve enormous savings by marrying Key Digital Systems’ KD﷓CTCA2 transcoder (MRSP $319) with a standard multimedia monitor (priced approximately $300-$500) to create a total state-of-the-art gaming package including the purchase of the X-Box for less than $1,000.

In sharp contrast, typical HDTV monitors range between $2,000 and $3,000. Tack on the cost of an Xbox and you are easily paying double!

Savvy gamers who gravitate to Key Digital’s “Clear Video 2” as the superior economical alternative will be thrilled to find they are rewarded in superior picture quality!

Why Key Digital Systems?
The “Clear Video 2” (KD-CTCA2) adapter is already a popular high-performance “glue” technology by Key Digital Systems, used for transcoding digital video signals between popular home theater devices like DVDs and set-top boxes which are often manufactured to different HDTV standards, and therefore, have difficulty “talking” to each other.

Key Digital Systems’ President Mike Tsinberg remarked, “Our Component-to-VGA “Clear Video 2” adapter is perfectly architected for use with Microsofts’ Xbox and other popular video games. It gives freedom to gamers who want to try new electronic configurations and who seek to maximize their output. But besides appealing to our obvious audience of hard-core gamers, we are simply very excited to be able to help our regular customers cut costs, maximize picture quality and simplify what can appear to be a very cumbersome and time-consuming set-up. Basically, Key Digital is throwing open the doors to a magical new realm of home video entertainment for ordinary people who just aren’t in the market to buy new $2,500 HDTV sets.”

Chris Tome, CEO/Director of 3c/VfX Incorporated and writer for a variety of freelance Gamer publications including [list of pubs here] roundly endorsed the “Clear Video 2” Xbox adapter, calling it a unique and impressive tool. “Gamers are going to flock to this “Clear Video 2” Xbox adapter when they get a glimpse of the picture quality, the speed and the incredible flexibility! Any serious gamer will not feel satisfied until he can jump from HDTV to PC monitor at will with the “Clear Video 2” Xbox adapter. Playing without one is like tying one hand behind your back. Gamers will crave this incredible gadget!”

World’s Smallest!
Key Digital’s “Clear Video 2” series of Component-to-VGA video adapters are the world’s smallest transcoders, fitting easily into any tight space or wiring system. The “Clear Video 2” Xbox adapter is capable of converting Component (YPrPb) to VGA (RGBHV) signals (480P, 1080i/540P, and 720P) for display on VGA-ready HDTV monitors. Gamers will love this easy, and economical upgrade!

Auto-Tracking Feature Makes Set-Up Child’s Play
The “Clear Video 2” Xbox Adapter boasts a robust platform capable of 120 MHz video bandwidth and a built-in “AutoTracker” with “Easy” mode that automatically ‘senses’ the right configuration for the Xbox (Component for HDTV monitor hook-up and VGA conversion for PC monitor) so gamers don’t have to reconfigure each line for the right video output. Since the unit automatically knows whether the signal is in the 480P, 720P, or 1080i/540P format, there’s never any buttons to push. Selecting the right HDTV format is as easy as pressing “Play.”

Forget manual adjustments. Each “Clear Video 2” Xbox adapter comes with automatic horizontal centering adjustment, Positive or Negative Sync, a wall plug power supply and a 2-year warranty on parts and labor so gamers can enjoy Xbox to the fullest!

Boot Up Requirements
In order to convert digital signals to 480i (rate required by Xbox), the “Clear Video 2” adapter must be connected to an NTSC monitor during boot-up.

About Key Digital
Key Digital Systems has emerged as a developer of leading edge technology supporting HDTV custom installers, consumers, home theater retailers, corporations, and broadcasters. The company manufactures a wide range of engineering solutions in the area of digital signal processing and distribution, marketed as "glue" products to the HDTV community. Key Digital System's wide range of products includes scalers, distribution amplifiers, transcoders, and switchers which effectively and economically link HDTV components manufactured to diverging specifications. By uniquely enabling non-compatible equipment to "talk" to each other, Key Digital Systems has established itself as an intelligent resource in the evolving HDTV marketplace. Products by Key Digital Systems are available nationwide in leading retail outlets as well as via an extensive dealer network. For more information please visit the corporate website at www.keydigital.com. For trade press, visit http://www.keydigital.com/tradepress.htm.