Seattle — August 30, 1999 — X10.com™ (www.x10.com/pressroom16.htm) will offer the more than two million people who visit the Maximum PC Network (www.maximumpc.com) each month the chance to receive one free FireCracker home control starter kit worth a retail value of $73.00.

The Maximum PC Network offers the best information source for buying, fixing, and upgrading your PC. With more than twenty of the hottest PC sites on the web, including Maximum PC Magazine, WinDrivers and Ars Technica, the Maximum PC Network can help you build your ultimate dream machine or even teach you how to build a home network.

The FireCracker is a computer-based kit that allows you to automatically control lights and appliances using a combination of your home’s existing AC wiring and radio frequency (RF) signals. Using your PC or the included wireless remote, anyone can begin to enjoy the benefits of a Wired Home.

"The Maximum PC Network audience is one of the most technologically sophisticated on the Web and we’re excited about getting the FireCracker into their hands to test and challenge the product," said Tim Alsberg, director of business development, X10.com. "This promotion is geared toward acknowledging the Network’s IEU status and continues our pattern of selecting leading edge groups to grow the Wired Home category."

"I believe we are at the dawn of the Jetsonian era," said Ed Hamich, Producer, Maximum PC Network. "The reality of an automated home is around the corner and I’m thrilled at the prospect of utilizing my PC in a new and exciting way."

FireCracker Components

Computer interface - No bigger than a Fig Newton™, the interface plugs into a serial port in the back of your computer. The X10 through-port design allows you to plug another device into the back of the interface. Using the FireCracker software allows you to send commands through this interface to the Wireless Link Module™ and through the household wiring. This interface can control up to 16 sets of lights and appliances.

PalmPad Remote Control - The PalmPad™Remote is one of X10’s most powerful remotes, allowing you to control up to 16 sets of lights and appliances when you are away from your PC.

Wireless Link Module - This module takes the wireless signal from the computer interface and converts it to an X10 signal, sending commands through the household wiring to lamp and appliance modules.

Lamp Module - This module receives signals to turn on or off a lamp based on your commands.

Availability

The FireCracker kit is now available for an administrative and handling fee of $5.90 only at www.x10.com/pressroom16.htm or by calling 1-800-675-3044.

About X10.com

Based in Seattle, X10.com is a division of privately held X10 Ltd., the world leader in design and manufacture of proprietary home control, entertainment and security technology products for over 20 years. To date, X10 has shipped well over one hundred million units of home control products worldwide. X10 has received numerous consumer and industry awards. X10.com sells and promotes X10 products direct to the consumer through its web site at www.x10.com/pressroom16.htm Recently, Media Metrix has ranked X10 as a top one hundred e-commerce Web site based on traffic and sales.

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