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RACEf/x System Brings Real-Time Race Data to Telecasts


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    SAN JOSE, Calif.--Oct. 14, 2002--LynuxWorks, Inc., and Sportvision, Inc. have teamed up to use LynuxWorks' Real Time Operating System, LynxOS, to power Sportvision's RACEf/x tracking and telemetry system for motorsports. The LynxOS-based RACEf/x system, one of several applications by Sportvision incorporating LynuxWorks software, is currently featured in major network broadcasts of NASCAR racing, the fastest growing spectator sport in the world with more than 250 million television viewers annually.
    The RACEf/x real-time system is designed to allow major television networks as well as Internet, subscription television, wireless and other media to augment their programming with dynamic and interesting content taken directly from the racecars. Details such as up-to-the-second information about a car's acceleration, braking, lap position, speed, gear selection and RPMs are all integrated into the broadcast.
    "The challenge of building a system like RACEf/x is tracking, transferring and processing the data in time, while staying synchronized with the broadcast video stream," said Ken Milnes, senior scientist at Sportvision. "LynxOS is an integral part of the RACEf/x data processing system, as it meets the robust real-time requirements needed to track data from race cars often traveling in excess of 200 mph. The reliability of the LynxOS operating system also has been superb."
    The LynxOS operating system provides the core technology for the RACEf/x solution, including the real-time processing capabilities necessary to assure the timely and accurate arrival of data -- all with only a 640KB footprint. Using LynuxWorks' embedded operating system, RACEf/x acquires and transmits data via a complex web of global positioning devices (GPS), cameras, in-car electronics and computers to television producers throughout a race.
    "In Race F/X, Sportvision is challenged with designing a product that must withstand some of the harshest vibrational, thermal and electrical conditions in order to bring the data from inside the race car to the viewing audience," said Greg Rose, director of product management at LynuxWorks. "With the inherent reliability and dependable performance of the LynxOS operating system, Sportvision can focus its attention on solving these more challenging details while LynuxWorks' software ensures the quality of the viewer's experience by delivering the datapoints in real-time."

    About Sportvision, Inc.

    Sportvision is the leader in sports media technology, developing products and applications that enhance the fan's experience on television, the Internet and convergence platforms. A privately held corporation founded in 1998, Sportvision offers a suite of products, including the Emmy-winning 1st & Ten(TM) electronic first down line, that have enhanced hundreds of NFL, NBA, NASCAR, NHL, PGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NCAA football and basketball, XTERRA, Ironman Triathlon, 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and other sporting events on-air and online. The company's "fan-centric" technology applications allow broadcasters, sports leagues, teams and Internet sites to enrich their programming, while also creating new opportunities for advertisers and sponsors. Sportvision is based in New York City with a research and development facility in Mountain View, Calif.

    About LynuxWorks

    LynuxWorks is a world leader in the embedded software market, providing operating systems, software development products and consulting services for the world's most successful communications, aerospace/defense, and consumer products companies. Established in 1988, the company is a founding member of the real-time operating systems (RTOS) industry, and a leading participant in the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC). LynuxWorks' headquarters are located in San Jose, Calif. The company's products include the open-source BlueCat Linux and the scalable, Linux-compatible LynxOS real-time operating system. World class companies use LynuxWorks' products, including: 3Com, Alcatel, Boeing, Ericsson, Hewlett Packard, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, Marconi, Mitsubishi, Motorola, NEC USA, Raytheon, TRW and Xerox. For more information, please visit www.lynuxworks.com.