Intel and Kodak Team Up to Unleash PC Imaging Potential

Joint Work Will Combine Intel's PC Platform and Kodak's Imaging Expertise

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 24, 1997 -- Intel Corporation and Eastman Kodak Company announced today that they will work together to advance industry specifications for the consumer use of PC Imaging (digital imaging within the PC environment). Today, PC users do not yet have the ability to edit, store, share, communicate and publish images easily. Intel and Kodak addressed these issues today at Intel's Visual Computing Day.

"While users can purchase digital cameras, scanners and printers today, obstacles such as varying file formats, storage formats, and print drivers prevent many of them from easily exchanging or printing files. And right now, the interface between the PC and imaging peripherals can be complex and slow," said Craig R. Barrett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Intel Corporation. "Increased interoperability will make PC imaging much more accessible to end users, opening up the world of cyberphotography to everyone."

"Kodak's strong imaging focus with Intel's PC platform leadership, including Intel's MMX™ media enhancement technology, enables us to further provide compelling imaging solutions by harnessing the power of the personal computer," said George M.C. Fisher, chairman and chief executive officer, Eastman Kodak Company. "Digital imaging applications on the PC have tremendous potential. When you add Kodak Picture Networktm, the infrastructure for widespread use begins to materialize."

Intel and Kodak will specifically team up to encourage the adoption of specifications that will accelerate the adoption and ease of use of PC imaging.

Intel MMX™ Media Enhancement Technology
FlashPix* will soon utilize the speed of Intel's MMX™ technology, using host sharing to speed image manipulation and processing. FlashPix is a resolution-independent file format supported by Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, Live Picture and Microsoft and other imaging and computer-based companies. The FlashPix format maintains image quality as they are exchanged across multiple software applications.

Camera Technology
Intel's USB (Universal Serial Bus), flash memory and silicon capabilities will be combined with Kodak's imaging technologies to accelerate the growth of imaging applications. Intel will provide PC portable camera specifications, covering these technologies, to enable users to easily connect digital cameras with PCs.

Picture Network Service
Support for USB and Intel Miniature Card formats will be added to future Kodak ImageMagic* retail stations, in addition to Kodak's currently supported flash memory formats. Intel and Kodak will promote Kodak Picture Network*, a rich set of digital services to supplement capabilities at the desktop. The Kodak Picture Network enables consumers and families to share and enjoy electronic images from the desktop. Miniature Card is a PC-compatible digital medium that stores image, text and voice data in consumer electronic devices. The Intel Miniature Card can exchange data with the PC, fostering integration of images, voice and text within a wide variety of professional and personal computing applications.

Research points to over 17 billion conventional pictures taken in the U.S. annually (Photo Marketing Association International-1994). Digital-still camera sales are projected to grow to over 15 million units sold annually by the year 2000 (IDC-Instat). "Digital technology offers many ways to expand the use of the billions of pictures taken each year," said Bob Unterberger, president, Digital & Applied Imaging, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "This cooperation helps Kodak meet the goal of providing easy and rapid access to images so that users – from point-and-shoot amateurs to the dedicated professional -- can take their pictures one step further."

"PC imaging unleashes new, exciting and creative opportunities for everyone." said Ronald J. Smith, Intel vice president and general manager, Intel Computing Enhancement Group (CEG). "The joint efforts involving USB, Flash Miniature Card, Intel MMX™ technology, and Kodak Picture Network, plus Intel's PC portable camera specification will make the use of electronic images as convenient and common as e-mail."

Throughout its history, Eastman Kodak Company has been committed to making imaging accessible to all. A world leader in imaging technologies, Kodak manufactures a wide range of photographic films, photographic papers, and conventional cameras. A pioneer in digital imaging, Kodak also manufacturers an extensive portfolio of digital cameras, scanners, and digital output media. Additional information is available at (800) 235-6325 or the Kodak web page at http://www.kodak.com.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.