LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apex Digital has teamed up with Zilog, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZILG), to develop the Apex Connect Home Controller, an easy-to-use device that provides customized control of home audio/video products and a variety of devices that use INSTEON or Z-Wave technology for lights, blinds thermostats and more.

With the Apex Connect Home Controller introduced today at CES, a browser-based smart phone, iPhone, iPod touch, PC or PDA can be turned into a comprehensive home controller via an existing wireless network in your home. The controller, which features learning functionality to teach and control other Infrared (IR)-based controllers that consumers have in their homes, is a collaborative effort between Apex Digital, a leading provider of consumer electronic devices, and Zilog, Inc., a global supplier of innovative embedded control solutions.

"The new Apex Connect Home Controller is based on Zilog's Crimzon Connects technology and provides mobile device users with personalized home control capabilities in the palm of their hand," said Michelle Leyden Li, general manager of Zilog's home control business unit. "At Zilog, we have a rich history of bringing innovative products to the market place. Our new Crimzon Connects technology, which includes application level software for Apple's iPhone mobile phone, is the latest example of the type of cutting-edge innovation you can expect to see from Zilog."

"Apex Digital is known for providing its customers with innovative consumer electronics, and we're excited to announce our new Apex Connect Home Controller here at CES," said Jeannie Vogler, Apex Digital's senior vice president of Global Sales & Marketing.

Apex Connect Ideal for iPhone and iPod Touch Users

The device features native application support for Apple's iPhone mobile telephone or iPod touch. Users can download the application for the device they want to control from Apple's Apps Store through iTunes. The picture of the device becomes an icon on their iPhone, and they can use the buttons on the picture to control their devices and personalize home control.

Apex Connect is simple to use and install. Just attach the Apex Connect Home Controller to a home wireless network using the network router set up, then download the Apex Connect application to an iPhone or iPod touch and the controller is ready to use. Market introduction of the controller is targeted in the second half of 2009.

About Apex Digital Inc.

Apex Digital Inc. is one of the country's leading providers and marketers of high definition LCD televisions, portable media devices, solar powered lights and digital set-top boxes. Apex Digital is well recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in consumer electronics history. Founded in 1997, privately held Apex Digital's products are carried in thousands of retail outlets nationwide. Headquartered in Walnut, Calif., Apex Digital Inc., is committed to expanding its worldwide distribution of innovative electronic products by offering new technologies under the following brands: Apex Digital, E2Go - Entertainment to Go, Xepa Technologies and Walnut Media. For more information, visit www.apexdigitalinc.com.

About Zilog, Inc.

Zilog is a global supplier of application specific, embedded system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for secured transactions, consumer electronics and industrial application and an industry leader in remote control and universal IR database solutions. From its roots as an award-winning architect in the microprocessor and microcontroller industry, Zilog has evolved to become a leader in production-ready and custom-built SoC solution sets including hardware and software. Zilog is headquartered in San Jose, California, and employs approximately 400 people around the world with sales offices in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information about Zilog and its products, visit http://www.zilog.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning the anticipated market introduction date of the Apex Connect Home Controller. These forward-looking statements relating to expectations, plans or prospects for the Apex Connect Home Controller are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of Zilog's management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. For example, the market introduction date of the Apex Connect Home Controller could be postponed by manufacturing and distribution delays. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those provided. For a detailed discussion of these and other cautionary statements, please refer to the risk factors discussed in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including but not limited to, Zilog's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and any subsequently filed reports. All documents also are available through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR) at http://www.sec.gov or from Zilog's website.

Apex Connect is a trademark or registered trademark of Apex Digital Inc.

The iPhone and iPod touch are of the exclusive properties and trademarks of Apple.

Zilog, Crimzon Connects and Z-Pic Technology are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zilog, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

INSTEON is a trademark or registered trademark of SmartLabs, Inc.

Z-Wave is a trademark or registered trademark of the Z-Wave Alliance.

    Contacts:   Jeannie Vogler                 Daniel Francisco
                Apex Digital                   Francisco Group for Zilog
                909-348-5435                   916-812-8814
                jvogler@apexdigitalinc.com     dan@franciscogrp.com

SOURCE Zilog, Inc.