June 15, 2000

USB X-tender smashes the 15-meter connection barrier

...Allows Universal Serial Bus peripherals to be located up to 1000 feet away from the host computer using a single CAT-5 cable

Montreal, Canada, June 15, 2000 – Today, Robotel, a leading global supplier of interactive, multimedia classroom control systems, introduced the new USB X-tender system that allows Universal Serial Bus peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner and camera, to be located up to 1000 feet away from a host computer.

Breaking the 15-meter barrier

"USB was conceived as a universal solution for connecting peripheral devices to a local computer," says Etienne Bouchard, president of Robotel. "It has spawned the development of a broad array of low-cost, excellent quality, easy-to-use devices that until now have had to be closely connected to the computer. Robotel's new USB X-tender extends USB capacity by including support for remotely located peripheral devices. Imagine the tremendous benefits for applications such as video security and shared computer access."

USB X-tender

The USB X-tender comprises a pair of modules, (host interface and device interface), which are interconnected via a single CAT-5 cable up to 1000 feet in length. The modules can accommodate any type of USB peripherals, including low-speed and full-speed devices, hubs and compound devices.

While low-speed device connections can be extended up to 1000 feet, full-speed devices are restricted to 150 feet - still a significant extension. Each USB X-tender module pair includes two separate USB port connections (over a single CAT-5 cable), so that two separate low-speed devices can be operated without the use of a remote hub.

Price & Availability

The USB X-tender is available now. Single system suggested retail price is $295.00 (US).

Robotel

Robotel is a global supplier of interactive, multimedia classroom control systems for educational, corporate and government applications. With nearly 20 years of experience as a manufacturer of teaching tools, Robotel is a leader in the educational and training systems market. The firm boasts a top-rated customer service team and has installed numerous systems to serve the ongoing needs of our customers. The company is based in Montreal, Canada and has an established distribution network in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

For more information on the USB X-tender, visit the Company web site at www.robotel.ca, or contact Robotel at (800) 964-1448.