SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1997--

Sees Future Applications for Patented Display Technology

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (E&S(R)) (NASDAQ:ESCC) and Silicon Light Machines of Sunnyvale, Calif., Thursday announced that E&S has invested $3.5 million in the privately held company.

The investment is intended to help Silicon Light Machines further develop and commercialize its patented digital, high-resolution display technology.

"As a recognized market leader in visual systems, we need to remain close to new and innovative product technologies, and the companies responsible for them," said James R. Oyler, president and chief executive officer of E&S. "Silicon Light Machines is breaking new ground with leading-edge display technologies. Our investment in the company is consistent with our commitment to develop and deliver superior products for the benefit of our customers."

Silicon Light Machines is developing a reflective display technology called Grating Light Valve(TM) technology (GLV(TM)). This technology is based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques and simple optical principles that leverage the wavelike properties of light.

Movable ribbon structures are formed on the surface of a silicon wafer using traditional semiconductor manufacturing lines to create high-performance devices that are small and inexpensive. More cost effective than current display technologies, GLV technology offers superior resolution and contrast for application in markets such as projection display, portable personal viewers, and instrumentation.

These advantages of GLV technology are expected to bene "We are extremely pleased that Evans & Sutherlght Machines . "As we prepare to move our techboard of directors. E&S's investment in our comd Fund, Institutional Ventur e Partners, and Andreas Bechtolsheim. Originally founded as Echelle Inc. in 1994, Silicon Light Machines has exclusive rights to commerciallly conceived at Stanford University. (InformWeb page at http://www.es.com . -0-

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CONTACT: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., Salt rob@siliconlight.co