Exhibit 99.1
Digital Recorders, Inc. Announces Surface Transit CAD/AVL Security Order
Business Editors/High-Tech Writers
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2004--
DRI Communications Equipment Will Help Augment Security for
Jacksonville Transportation Authority During 2005 Super Bowl Game
Digital Recorders, Inc. (DRI) (Nasdaq:TBUS), a market leader in
transit, transportation and law enforcement digital communications and
audio enhancement systems, announced today that its Digital Recorders
(DR) division in Research Triangle Park, N.C., has entered into a $1.1
million contract for its surface transit computer-aided
dispatch/automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) system with the
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) in Jacksonville, Fla. The
first phase purchase order for $750,000 under the contract has been
received and the second phase purchase order is expected in fourth
quarter 2004.
"It is a real privilege and honor for DRI to have the opportunity
to work with JTA in its dedication to delivering exemplary service. An
essential element of this order is augmentation of security measures
for JTA's transit system during Super Bowl XXXIX, which will be held
in Jacksonville on Feb. 6, 2005. This is an order adding functionality
to and building on already installed DR equipment; that fact, combined
with DR's advanced technology, rapid delivery, competitive pricing,
and industry track record were instrumental in securing this order. We
expect delivery to commence very soon and to conclude in the first
half of 2005," David L. Turney, the Company's Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, and President, said.
JTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Michael J.
Blaylock said, "We consider this type of investment to be part of the
forward thinking and planning of JTA as we roll-out new and advanced
technologies to improve service and enhance safety and security. We
are investing in DR's equipment because of their ability to perform,
deliver the technology that we need, and do so quickly at competitive
prices. We believe this will make a positive difference in quality of
service and security for users of our transit vehicles before, during,
and after the Super Bowl."
About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), an independent
state agency serving Duval County, Fla., has multi-modal
responsibilities. JTA designs and constructs bridges and highways and
provides varied mass transit services, including: express and regular
bus service; a downtown Skyway monorail; the Trolley service; the
Stadium Shuttle for various sporting events at ALLTEL Stadium; JTA
Connexion for the disabled and elderly; and ChoiceRide, which connects
employers and employees to job access through customized
transportation options. JTA has a challenging role serving the largest
city in the continental U.S. in terms of landmass. JTA believes an
integrated transportation network is a critical element in any
community to properly manage growth, provide mobility and offer a good
quality of life.
About DR's Surface Transit CAD/AVL
DR's surface transit CAD/AVL system, through use of GPS signals
and integrated dead-reckoning algorithms, helps transit authorities
track and monitor the location and performance of vehicles. As such,
it can perform as an essential element of security for transit
operating systems. DR's CAD/AVL system can monitor on-board systems,
covert alarms, covert microphones, and other security devices, as well
as vehicle schedules. DR's CAD/AVL system implements "instant message
capability" between dispatch and operators, and has other features
important to enhancement of security measures. DR's CAD/AVL system has
several additional beneficial attributes not found in some competitive
systems. DR's CAD/AVL system operates independently of any single
communications system and can operate through existing
telecommunications infrastructures, as well as existing radio systems
or private radio networks. DR's CAD/AVL system uses open communication
standards, permitting sharing of information between passenger
information, scheduling, and maintenance system applications.
DR's GPS-based system accurately determines vehicle location to
present "next-stop" information to passengers. DR has successfully
leveraged this core technology by expanding into several markets with
security being one of its fundamental focus areas.
About the DR Division
The Company's DR division develops and manufactures digital audio
communications products for the transit industry. Products include:
computer aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location systems; automatic
vehicle monitoring systems; Talking Bus(R) automatic voice
announcement systems; StealthMic(TM) vandal-resistant, hands-free
microphone; and more. For more information about the DR division, go
to http://www.talkingbus.com/.
About the Company
Digital Recorders, Inc. is a market leader in transit,
transportation and law enforcement or security digital communications
and audio enhancement systems using proprietary software applications.
Our products improve the flow and mobility of people through
transportation infrastructure, mitigate security threats, and enhance
law enforcement agencies' surveillance capabilities. Our transit
communications products -- TwinVision(R) and Mobitec route destination
signage systems, Talking Bus(R) voice announcement systems,
Internet-based passenger information systems, and computer aided
dispatch/ automatic vehicle locating and monitoring systems -- enhance
public transportation and mitigate security threats worldwide. Our
electronic surveillance tools, including microphone amplifiers and
processors, countermeasures devices, speech activity detectors, and
radio/television noise cancellers, help law-enforcement agencies
around the globe detect, capture, arrest and prosecute criminals. For
more information about DRI and its operations worldwide, go to
www.digrec.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
In particular, any statement, express or implied, concerning future
events or expectations is a forward-looking statement. Use of words
such as "expect," "fully expect," "expected," "appears," "believe,"
"plan," "anticipate," "would," "goal," "potential," "potentially,"
"range," "pursuit," "run rate," "stronger," "preliminarily," etc., is
intended to identify forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties, including those described below. There can be
no assurance that any expectation, express or implied, in a
forward-looking statement will prove correct or that the contemplated
event or result will occur as anticipated. It is important to note the
Company's actual results could differ materially from those
contemplated in the Company's forward-looking statements as a result
of various factors. Among other factors, the Company's results will be
affected, perhaps materially, by general economic conditions, the
availability of national government assistance and funding to local
transportation authorities, the adoption and implementation of
regulations concerning public transportation services, product demand
and market acceptance risks, the effect of import, licensing and trade
restrictions, the results of implementing the Company's business plan,
the impact on the Company of its relationship with its lenders, the
plans and prospects of competitors, the impact of competitive products
and pricing, currency fluctuations, infringement by third parties of
the Company's trade secrets and other intellectual property, the
burdens and costs of defending against potential infringement claims
against the Company, and our ability to attract and retain personnel.
Refer to the Company's various Securities and Exchange Commission
filings, such as its Forms 10-Q and 10-K, for further information
about forward-looking statements and risks associated with the
Company's business.
CONTACT: Digital Recorders, Inc.
Veronica B. Marks, 214-378-4776
Fax: 214-378-8437
veronicam@digrec.com