Opera tailors the Web for TV: TVR Displays the Full Internet in True Form on TV Screens

Oslo, Norway - September 9, 2004

In connection with the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2004, Opera Software today unveiled a new edition of its screen rendering technologies, this time tailored for the television. TV Rendering (TVR) makes the necessary adjustments to perfectly display any Web page on any TV screen, opening up for a great Internet experience on TV sets for the first time.

With Web pages being designed for viewing on high-resolution desktop computer monitors, TV screens with their low resolution and varying screen sizes have not been able to emulate a satisfactory Internet experience. Today's release of TVR for the first time introduces users of broadband enabled set-top boxes (STB), or other iTV related hardware, to the potential of full Internet browsing that is as true and content-rich as experienced with desktop computers. TVR focuses on pixelation and problematic colors, adapting different elements individually to suit the TV screen. Original fonts, colors, design, and style are left virtually untouched.

"With TVR, the broadcasting industry can finally incorporate the full Web into TVs and set-top boxes," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software ASA. "Full Web access on TVs will soon be a requirement from consumers. After all, if you would go to a store today and choose between a TV set that offered Web and TV or one that just had TV, which one would you choose? With TVR, the Internet is ready to transform the broadcasting industry."

Opera's partner, Equator Technologies, a leading provider of high-performance, programmable and power-efficient system-on-a-chip (SoC), processors for networked video entertainment and communications, is ready to deliver to TVR with their winning StarFish, Tetra and Dolphin hardware platforms.

"The ability to combine TV broadcasting with Internet content opens up an almost unimaginable array of new great features for the old screen," says John O'Donnell, CTO, Equator Technologies. "TVR makes it possible to comfortably surf the Web from the comfort of your sofa, removing the need for many to have a separate work-like computer at home. The technology to make TV's into complete home entertainment and information devices at a reasonable price is now available, now it's just up to operators to provide it to their users."

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 250 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.