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Mad Catz(R) Brings HDMI to All Xbox 360(TM) Owners
by Shane Sturgeon on February 13, 2008 Categories: PlayStation 3 (PS3) & Xbox 360

Mad Catz(R) Brings HDMI to All Xbox 360(TM) Owners

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (Amex: MCZ; TSX), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider announced today the release of the Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit, a revolutionary new accessory designed to allow owners of the Xbox 360 console to connect directly to any standard HDMI input on their TV's or displays and enjoy true High-Definition (HD) digital video and audio for gaming and movie playback.

The HDMI Conversion Kit connects easily and safely to the 'AV Output' located on the rear of the console and utilizing advanced microprocessor technology, converts the analogue signal to a digital HDMI stream, outputting all popular HD resolutions up to and including 1080p and compatible with the HDMI 1.3 standard.

Furthermore, the HDMI Conversion Kit has been engineered to carry full multi-channel Digital Audio (Dolby(R) Digital, DTS(R)) through the HDMI cable directly to compatible TV's, eliminating the need for multiple video and audio connections. Should users wish to output digital audio to an alternative source, a separate Digital Audio Output has been built in to the device and using the Digital Optical Cable provided, offers users flexibility to connect however they choose. With all necessary cables needed supplied in the box, the HDMI Conversion Kit is a true 'one-stop solution' to an all digital experience.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, "HDMI is widely recognized as the connection standard for the High-Definition age in which we live, delivering unsurpassed visual and audio quality. However, millions of Xbox 360 consoles are not equipped with an HDMI output and owners are unable to take advantage of the benefits an all digital connection provides. Mad Catz' Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit provides gamers with a digital video and audio solution that we believe will be embraced by owners of HD-TV's and those who demand the best from their entertainment. With breakthrough, innovative products such as this, Mad Catz continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing all areas of gaming and we look forward to introducing Xbox 360 owners everywhere to the all digital revolution."

Compatible with all Xbox 360 consoles not equipped with HDMI connectors; the HDMI Conversion Kit is expected to be available across United States in late January 2008 for an SRP of $89.99.


For further information please contact:
Media
Alex Verrey
Global PR & Communications Manager
t. +44 (0) 1908 336 538
e. [email protected]

Michael Greco
Vice President of Marketing
t. +1-619-321-3564
e. [email protected]

Investors
Joseph Jaffoni, David Jacoby
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated --
t. 212/835-8500
e. [email protected]


About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for video game systems and publishes video game software, including the industry-leading GameShark video game enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands. Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek brand, and recently began manufacturing and marketing proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices across Canada, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to http://www.madcatz.com/, as well as http://www.gameshark.com/, http://www.airdrives.com/, http://www.saitek.com/ and http://www.joytech.net/.

Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. CONTACT: Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. Stewart Halpern, Chief Financial Officer, 800-831-1442 Or Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated Joseph Jaffoni/David Jacoby, 212-835-8500 [email protected]

Source: Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Web site: http://www.madcatz.com/

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, February 13, 2008 10:52 AM

Reader Commentary

Reply
hharris4earthlink • Feb 13, 12:51pm
Not so revolutionary since the Playstation 3 uses HDMI as its standard out. That and the X-box's use of HD DVD for storage gives it two strikes against it in my view. Of course, to be fair, you have to weigh that against the games that are available for each.

Henry...
Reply
Richard • Feb 13, 5:48pm
Absolutely revolutionary!!!

Because it takes a product that is limited due to being analog video and opens it all up for SD DVD, HD DVD and HD audio from HD DVD. I can't think of any mass market consumer product that provided a significant upgrade like this without replacment.

One hell of a deal!!!

$90 versus $450 to replace mine with an xbox 360 Elite. I am ordering one now... well, as soon as I find one ...
Reply
aaronstout • Feb 13, 5:54pm
It will be interesting to see how good the output actually looks, since it is converting it from analog back to digital again. It would have been great if there had been a way to get the digital output directly from the Xbox 360 graphics engine. For $89, you might have better results going through and upconverting AVR, if you have one of course.

AaronS...
Reply
Richard • Feb 13, 5:56pm
it is converting it from analog back to digital again.

Where did you read that?...
Reply
akirby • Feb 14, 5:45am
Here:

The HDMI Conversion Kit connects easily and safely to the 'AV Output' located on the rear of the console and utilizing advanced microprocessor technology, converts the analogue signal to a digital HDMI stream...
Reply
miller • Feb 14, 6:36am
Absolutely revolutionary!!!

Because it takes a product that is limited due to being analog video and opens it all up for SD DVD, HD DVD and HD audio from HD DVD. I can't think of any mass market consumer product that provided a significant upgrade like this without replacment.
Won't happen. It's taking the Xbox video out, which is analog, and converting it to digital via HDMI. As you probably know, this means no HDCP.

- Miller...
Reply
Richard • Feb 14, 5:17pm
I am reading too quickly and now 100% embarrassed...

Um, all that great stuff I said... never mind

Glad I couldn't find one ASAP too!...
Reply
dabhome • Feb 14, 6:41pm
It probably will make HD-DVD look great and games, but it still won't help upconvert DVDs....
Reply
Richard • Feb 15, 6:42am
Actually it won't if based on the analog output. All you gain is the potential convenience of HDMI such as feeding a display with HDMI only from an A/V receiver or HDMI switch....