Hillcrest Labs and TCL Sign New Multi-Year Agreement to Bring Unique Freespace Motion Technology to Smart TVs

HONG KONG and ROCKVILLE, Md., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillcrest Labs today announced that TCL Multimedia has signed a new multi-year agreement to extend the use of Hillcrest's patented Freespace^® in-air pointing and motion control software in TCL's Internet-connected Smart TVs. Freespace enables small in-air movements of remote controls to move a cursor around the TV screen. This allows users to navigate their TV user interface with point-and-click controls, just like they do on computers, smartphones and tablets.

In May of 2012, Hillcrest announced a partnership with TCL and introduced the V7500 Smart TV. Looking ahead, Freespace will also be incorporated into TCL's V8500, V7600, H6600 and E5590 Smart TV models, all based on the Android 4.2 platform. TCL is one of China's largest TV and consumer electronics brands. Hillcrest Labs is a company based in the USA which has been a leader and innovator in the Smart TV industry for over 10 years.

Hillcrest also announced that the Freespace MotionEngine™ Smart TV software is now available for Android™ 4.2 (JellyBean) and Google TV. Seven of the top ten global LCD TV OEMs in the Smart TV and connected set-top box markets are using Android or Google TV platforms. As these platforms continue to gain popularity, Hillcrest's Freespace MotionEngine Smart TV software becomes essential to navigate the wide range of content, games and apps.

"TCL is a market leader in Android Smart TVs, and we are very proud that they have selected Freespace to be a central part of their products," said Chad Lucien, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest Labs. "Today's announcement further validates that Freespace is an essential technology for today's Smart TV products."

"Freespace motion is vital to the best Smart TV user experiences as it enables the full range of TV, Web, games, and apps that our Android platform offers," said Shaoyong Zhang, Director of Product Planning Department at TCL. "Hillcrest is the global leader in motion software for Smart TV products, and our partnership will enable us to deliver the most innovative products to the rapidly growing Smart TV market around the world."

Chad Lucien of Hillcrest will be attending and speaking at the 2013 DisplaySearch China Smart TV and Smart Display Conference in Shenzhen on May 23, 2013. While there he is available for media interviews and for personal demonstrations of Hillcrest's Freespace technology.

About Hillcrest Labs:
Hillcrest Labs is the leading global supplier of software and hardware for motion-enabled products. Our Freespace® technology transforms human movement into high quality, application-ready motion information. With a decade of development and many unique patented features, products come to life with Freespace motion. Companies who have licensed or use Hillcrest's motion technology include: Atmel, Eastman Kodak, Intel, LG Electronics, Logitech, Roku, SMK Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., TCL Multimedia, Universal Electronics, and others.

Hillcrest has received numerous awards and recognitions including:

• CES Innovations Honoree Award (2012, 2011, 2010, 2006)
• IMS Research's TV Innovation Awards
• EE Times' ACE Award
• PC World's 100 Best Products and Greatest Tech Designs
• Popular Mechanics' Editors Choice
• ECN's Reader's Choice Tech

Hillcrest has a worldwide intellectual property portfolio that includes over 100 granted and 200 filed patents. Additional information about Hillcrest Labs can be found at: www.HillcrestLabs.com.

Hillcrest Labs, Freespace, and MotionEngine are trademarks of Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc. All other company names and trademarks remain property of their respective owners

About Chad Lucien:
Chad Lucien is senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hillcrest. In this role he is responsible for Hillcrest Labs' worldwide sales, marketing and business development activities. Since joining Hillcrest in 2004, Chad has been a member of the Company's executive management team where he has held positions encompassing corporate strategy, business development, and general management of the Freespace^® motion computing product line. During his tenure, he has licensed Freespace solutions to global consumer electronics companies, developed a wide variety of strategic partnerships, and led numerous product launches in the Freespace product line. Prior to Hillcrest, Chad has over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, venture consulting, and investment banking.

SOURCE Hillcrest Labs