National Semiconductor's Geode Technology Powers CiaoLab's New Generation of Home Appliances

CiaoLab's HomeStation offers entertainment, communication and security monitoring functions in an all-in-one Internet device

Santa Clara, CA -- 3/22/2001 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM), the leading technology provider for the information appliance market, today announced that CiaoLab has chosen National's Geode™ SC1200 processor to power HomeStation, a home gateway with communication, entertainment and security functions. CiaoLab, a major Italian innovator in the design and commercialization of IP connectivity solutions, has developed the HomeStation as an easy-to-use and affordable residential gateway and home entertainment device, using the existing TV set as the screen. The device will be on display at National Semiconductor's booth in Hall 13, C52, at CeBIT 2001 (Hannover, Germany, March 22 - 28).

The HomeStation is upgradeable and customizable: it can be tailored to consumers' specific needs. With the appropriate plug-ins and software, the system provides email, video mail, picture email, voice email, answerphone and video telephony. Also equipped with e-Commerce capability, this smart device allows users to surf the web for shopping and home banking. As an entertainment center, the HomeStation, coupled with a suitable service provider, offers Pay TV, Video-on-Demand, MP3 Juke Box and Web Radio. It also provides security monitoring functions for home security systems and remote monitoring.

"CiaoLab has chosen National's Geode platform because it offers the best price-to-power ratio on the market and a very high level of integration," said Terry Hannington, marketing director of CiaoLab. "For the CiaoLab HomeStation, a high function, high powered residential gateway, these qualities are essential."

"CiaoLab's HomeStation is a unique and intelligent information appliance, combining features of a home entertainment center with those of a residential gateway," said Georges Batars marketing director Information Appliance and Networks, Europe, for National Semiconductor. "National's Geode SC1200 processor is the ideal choice for home Internet appliances like the HomeStation. The processor combines a powerful x86 multimedia architecture with on-chip TV processor and graphics and is optimized for low power consumption. Our many customers have adopted the Geode SC1200 because of its versatility - our processor combines high performance with low power consumption, which are unbeatable features for the information and Internet appliance market."

The HomeStation will be marketed worldwide and will be available in production from mid-2001.

About CiaoLab
CiaoLab Technologies S.p.a. was formed in March 2000. The heart of the company is the development group that created IT solutions for Olivetti, Bull, General Electric, IBM and Motorola. CiaoLab designs and markets advanced IP connectivity and residential gateway solutions for the InHome and InCar markets. Solutions that combine multimedia, networking both LAN and WAN and the best available embedded systems. Additional information regarding CiaoLab Technologies is available at www.ciaolab.com.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide.