Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Delphi and MobileAria Demonstrate True Hands Free In-Vehicle Mobile Productivity Service at CES
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH - news), the world leader in automotive electronics, and MobileAria, the pioneer in True Hands Free(TM) productivity services for the driver, are demonstrating their mobile electronics products and services at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 8-11 in Delphi's exhibit (North Hall, booth # 7113). Delphi's Communiport (R) mobile productivity system and MobileAria's in-vehicle productivity service will give drivers hands-free voice access to a laptop, Bluetooth(TM) mobile phone and MobileAria's array of information services via the Internet.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS )
Using Delphi's new Communiport® mobile productivity systems line-up, which includes the new MP01 and MP100 models, and MobileAria's True Hands Free service, drivers will be able to access and integrate personal contact information, phone calls, email, voicemail, and Internet content services. Both the MP01 and MP100 models feature text-to-speech and speech recognition technology. The MP100 model will also feature a GPS receiver that, when combined with MobileAria's service, allows the driver to obtain turn-by-turn navigation to any destination and real-time traffic updates. The units connect to a laptop and a cellular phone using Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology, eliminating the need for complicated wiring and accessories.
``As a technology leader in bringing productivity tools to the vehicle environment, Delphi's MP01 and MP100 are the next evolution of tools in our Communiport product portfolio,'' said David Marinello, director of consumer products for Delphi Aftermarket Operations. ``We are currently working with enterprise customers, auto makers and retail outlets to offer these products in mid-2002.''
``We are pleased to partner with Delphi on the distribution of MobileAria's True Hands Free service with Delphi's Communiport systems,'' said Sachal Gidwani, President and General Manager of MobileAria. ``Their reach into the automotive aftermarket coupled with our productivity service and patent- pending voice browser will give enterprise customers and consumers a True Hands Free solution for productivity in the car.''
About Delphi
For additional information about Delphi Aftermarket Operations visit www.delphiauto.com/vpr .
Kenwood Excelon(TM) Unveils Music Keg(TM), High Capacity Digital Media Storage And Playback System for the Car
Powered by PhatNoise(TM), the Kenwood Music Keg Builds a 'Bridge' Between Desktop and Mobile Environments
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- CES Booth Number 341 - Kenwood USA Corporation unveiled today at the International Consumer Electronics Show the Kenwood Excelon(TM) Music Keg(TM), a high capacity digital music storage and playback mobile audio system, that builds a bridge between desktop and vehicle music environments. The Music Keg comes with 10GB of storage capacity to record, organize, store and play MP3, WMA and WAV digital music files.
The Music Keg (Model KHD-CX910) is made up of three components: the Cradle; a computer desktop docking bay that holds the removable hard drive; the Cartridge or ``DMS'' Digital Media System removable hard drive; and the in-vehicle or trunk-mounted Music Keg. The Music Keg system employs a 10GB removable hard disk cartridge that, when placed in its USB docking cradle, allows fast downloading of music files from a PC or the Internet. Powered with technology by PhatNoise(TM), a California developer of digital media technologies that has won high praise from computer-savvy music fans, Kenwood is the only aftermarket audio company to offer PhatNoise technology in its 2002 line.
The Music Keg utilizes a desktop software music management system, making it fast and easy for users to rip MP3 or WMA files from CDs, download tracks to the hard drive cartridge, and set-up, edit, and access personal play lists. The Music Keg installs into a vehicle and is designed to work with all 1999 or later Kenwood in-dash receivers offering CD changer control and CD text capability.
``Kenwood is a leader in bringing mobile and home entertainment technologies to the market,'' said Bob Law, vice president of sales and marketing. ``The Music Keg is the mobile music system that resolves the technical and convenience issues of using hard drives in vehicles. The product has already been well received, and we expect high consumer demand.''
Ease of Use
The Kenwood Excelon Music Keg is simple to use and intuitive for the consumer. Following these simple steps allows users to access thousands of MP3, WMA or hundreds of WAV music files from the vehicle.
1. Install the Kenwood Excelon PhatNoise Music Manager software on a home
computer. Connect the Cradle desktop docking bay via USB cable and
download the music files to the removable hard drive cartridge.
2. Take the cartridge to the vehicle and insert it into the trunk-mounted
Music Keg.
3. Turn on the in-dash receiver and using the CD changer controls, access
the music.
Music Keg System
The Music Keg can be mounted virtually anywhere in a vehicle where a standard CD-changer would be, and connects to the receiver using standard changer protocols. The Music Keg has a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter and will display MP3 file names and ID3 tags on the receiver's CD text display. An internal shock-absorbing suspension system ensures trouble-free playback.
Music Software Management
The Kenwood Excelon PhatNoise Music Management System, included with the Music Keg on a CD-ROM, offers robust database applications with advanced functionality and scales to support large music and media collections. Powered by proprietary Dynamic Playlist Generation Technology (DPGT(TM)), it automatically organizes and updates user collections, and provides automatic synchronization.
The software management system allows users to rip CDs, and to select multiple MP3/WMA compression rates that go up as high as 320kb. Other features include: dynamic content updates, integrated Internet-based search and commerce capabilities, CD burning capabilities, and encoding for MP3, VBR, M3, WMA, WAV, and OGG Vorbis.
The Kenwood Excelon Music Keg will be available at selected Kenwood Excelon dealers starting in January with an MSRP of $900.
Company Information
Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value. Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, Calif., is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation (Japan).
Further information can be obtained by contacting Kenwood USA Corporation, P.O. Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801, by calling 1-800-Kenwood, or by visiting http://www.kenwoodusa.com.
All trademarks are those of their respective companies. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Kenwood U.S.A. Corporation
Sirius Satellite Radio to Be Available With Kenwood Sovereign(TM) Entre(TM) Entertainment Hub
Commercial-Free Radio Offered Online by OpenGlobe's Entertainment Services
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- CES Booth Number 341 - Soon after its launch next month, Sirius Satellite Radio's (Nasdaq: SIRI - news) 60 commercial-free music channels will be available via the Internet, free of charge, to owners of the Kenwood Sovereign(TM) Entre(TM) Entertainment Hub as a result of an agreement between Kenwood, Sirius and OpenGlobe(TM), Inc., an entertainment services company. With Entre, a digital media storage and management component for the home, consumers can listen to Sirius Satellite Radio programming, as well as distribute any one of Sirius' music channels to other rooms in the home using the Entre's built-in network capability via the Kenwood Axcess(TM) remote portal.
Sirius' digital service for the home will launch via the OpenGlobe service at a date to be announced. The service will deliver 60 original channels of music, completely commercial-free, in virtually every genre (user must have an ISP provider).
Sirius plans to launch its service for motorists on February 14th by offering the same 60 commercial-free music channels as the home service, plus 40 additional sports, news, talk, comedy and children's programming feeds, for a total of 100 channels of digital quality radio. Service will be delivered to motorists throughout the continental United States for a monthly subscription fee of $12.95. Most 2002 Kenwood Excelon(TM) and Kenwood Car Audio mobile entertainment receivers are Sirius Satellite Radio Ready, and will control an optional Kenwood Sirius tuner.
``This is a tremendous value for consumers and dealers selling Kenwood Sovereign components, as Kenwood brings Sirius into both the home and car environments,'' said Bob Law, vice president of sales and marketing, Kenwood USA Corporation. ``This agreement allows Kenwood customers to listen to the music they want, when they want, and where they want -- at home and on the road.''
``We are looking forward to giving consumers the opportunity to experience Sirius in their home using this leading edge technology from Kenwood and OpenGlobe,'' said Doug Wilsterman, vice president of marketing and distribution, Sirius Satellite Radio.
``OpenGlobe is pleased to be able to deliver Sirius Satellite Radio to Entre users through our Entertainment Services,'' said Rob Hudson, vice president of marketing, OpenGlobe, Inc. ``Our partnership will provide Entre users with an additional outlet for diverse and high quality continuous music streams.''
The Kenwood Sovereign Entre Entertainment Hub (MSRP $1,800) is an audio component with a 20-gigabyte, high-capacity music storage system with a built-in CD recorder. The Entre stores and streams compressed music files, Internet radio and Sirius audio channels, while serving as a system controller for other Kenwood Sovereign components in a home entertainment system.
Corporate Information
Kenwood -- Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value. Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, Calif., is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation (Japan).
Further information can be obtained by contacting Kenwood USA Corporation, P.O. Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801, by calling 1-800-Kenwood, or by visiting http://www.kenwoodusa.com.
Sirius Satellite Radio -- From its three satellites orbiting directly over the U.S., Sirius (http://www.siriusradio.com) will broadcast 100 channels of digital quality radio to motorists throughout the continental United States for a monthly subscription fee of $12.95. Sirius will deliver 60 original channels of completely commercial-free music in virtually every genre, and 40 world-class sports, news and entertainment channels. Sirius has agreements to install AM/FM/SAT radios in Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles. Kenwood, Panasonic, Clarion and Jensen satellite receivers, including models that can adapt any car stereo to receive Sirius, as well as home and portable products, will be available at retailers such as Circuit City, Best Buy, Good Guys, Tweeter and Crutchfield.
OpenGlobe -- OpenGlobe, Inc., an affiliated company of Escient Technologies, LLC, is a leading entertainment services and media device technologies provider delivering simply powerful home entertainment. Working with world-class consumer electronics and personal computer manufacturers and core component suppliers, OpenGlobe seamlessly brings a world of entertainment capabilities into users' home entertainment systems. Users can easily store and access their media collections, discover gaps, import and use digital media, create favorite playlists, or further access the OpenGlobe services to explore new artists or genres, get customized content, receive media recommendations, and opt into personalized CE-Commerce(TM) purchasing opportunities. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OpenGlobe sets the benchmark for products and services that entertain the concept of simplicity. http://www.OpenGlobe.NET.
All trademarks are those of their respective companies. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SD Association Ratifies New Product Specifications At CES 2002
LAS VEGAS, NV--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 08, 2002-- The SD Association (SDA) announced today at the 2002 Computer Electronics Show (CES), the ratification of new specifications for SD Cards, including SDIO (Input/Output) cards and format specifications for PIM (Personal Information Management Data), and Image/Video (MPEG-4, Motion JPEG data). The SDIO specification creates a whole new class of mobile-friendly Input/Output devices based on the SD memory form factor. These specifications will enable SDA members to finalize new product designs and increase the interoperability using SD memory cards on multiple SD consumer electronics products. Since its launch at CES 2000, the SD Association's membership has grown to 400 companies. SDA member companies will be on hand at CES 2002 at the SD Pavilion (New South Hall, Booth # L10536) to demonstrate products utilizing the SD Card.
This year's show marks the two-year anniversary for the SD Association, which has doubled its membership over last year. The SD Card format has already captured a significant amount of overall memory card sales and is expected to expand its market share in 2002, driven predominantly by increased consumer demand, lower prices and broader product distribution. The SD Card's strong differentiators, including its focus on interoperability, standardization, and the addition of functionality beyond basic memory -- such as Bluetooth, GPS and secure capabilities, have made the card the de facto purchase decision for consumers. According to Web Feet Research analyst Alan Niebel, memory card sales are expected to total more than $2 billion in revenue in 2002, with SD Card gaining further market share over last year.
"With over 100 SD-enabled consumer electronic products currently on the market, the SD Card is rapidly gaining acceptance as the de facto standard for secure, interoperable flash memory," said Ray Creech, president of the SDA. "The ratification of four major application specifications paves the way for next generation product development. In addition to the rapid adoption of the SD Card within digital music players, DVDs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), digital cameras and cellular phones we also look forward to its utilization in business applications and smart home appliances in the near future."
The SDIO standard adoption allows the SD socket to serve as a memory device and an I/O port for device expansion. This capability can give portable devices, such as PDAs, multimedia systems and cell phones additional peripheral and accessory options without increasing size or circuit complexity. Currently SD Cards are in development for wireless functionality using Bluetooth, navigational devices based on GPS receivers, cameras and other useful devices.
The new specifications are officially posted to the SDA website (www.sdcard.org) for convenient downloading by member companies. These application specifications are critical guideline documents that describe both the memory and I/O devices and a standard method for storing data onto SD Cards. Adherence to these specifications provides a means of enhancing interoperability across a wide range of devices.
In addition to these work groups, three new work groups were formed at a March 2001 board meeting focusing on the areas of: Sound (MIDI), Voice (Personal Audio) and Documents (Printing and Fax). These new groups are targeting to release these specifications by Spring 2002.
About SD Association
The SD Association (SDA) is an open industry standards organization established in January 2000 by leaders Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), SanDisk and Toshiba, supported by a consortium of 400 companies. The SDA's mission is to set industry standards for the SD Card and promote its wide acceptance in a variety of applications. The SD Card is a highly sophisticated memory device about the size of a postage stamp. SD Cards stand to revolutionize information, entertainment and communications by putting advanced digital storage technology quite literally at your fingertips. The SD Card standards are currently being built into a wide range of new digital products such as cellular phones, audio players, automotive multimedia systems, handheld PC's and video and digital still cameras.
The Association's Web site can be referenced at www.sdcard.org for more information about SDA membership, applications usage, member companies and upcoming meetings. Parties interested in joining the SDA are encouraged to visit the Web site or contact Ray Creech directly at (831) 636-7322. Email is rcreech@sdcard.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imation Showcases Full Line of Personal Storage Solutions During CES 2002
Personal Storage Solutions Provide Unique, Portable Storage Options
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--Imation Corp. (NYSE:IMN - news), a worldwide leader in data storage and information management, will feature its complete portfolio of personal storage solutions offerings in Booth No. 11622 during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 8-11, 2002. These new offerings include Imation's expanding line of digital devices, drives, media and accessories designed to help consumers easily capture, store and share their digital creations.
``Now more than ever, consumers are looking for convenient, easy ways to gather and manage their digital content,'' said Steve Carter, vice president and general manager, Imation's Personal Storage Solutions Business. ``During CES, Imation will highlight its complete portfolio of digital storage solutions designed to help people better store and manage all of their digital information - from photos to music, video or data.''
Smaller Footprint Digital Devices for Easy, Portable Storage
Imation will display its recently released Imation RipGO!(TM) mini CD-R burner and digital audio player - the smallest device available today for both recording compressed music on CDs and high-performance playback of digital music in MP3 and Microsoft® Windows Media(TM) (WMA) formats. Providing full support for the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system and WMA, Imation's RipGO! device delivers an all-in-one experience for creating, capturing, and playing digital music on computers and portable music players. Plus, its sleek, battery-powered USB CD-R drive uses mini (80mm) CD-R discs to store and play up to 185MB of digital information -- enough capacity for six hours of CD-quality music with WMA or three hours playback with MP3.
The new Imation FlashGO!(TM) Desktop reader/writer is the world's first mass storage compliant multi-slot flash memory card reader/writer supporting all flash and memory card formats, including Compact Flash (Type I & II), Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital, Memory Stick and IBM's Microdrive. Ideal for multi-device owners who want the flexibility and portability of one reader/writer to download all of their memory card digital information to and from the PC or Mac, the device also allows for easy drag-and-drop functionality between various flash memory card formats. The Imation FlashGO! Desktop reader/writer builds on the momentum of the portable, single-slot Imation FlashGO! reader/writer, which was recently recognized as a 2002 CES Innovations Award Honoree for Excellence in Design and Engineering. Availability is slated for the first half of 2002.
Storage Media Gets Smaller and Faster
Imation will also preview one of its newest storage media offerings, Imation DataPlay digital media - the affordable, miniature optical media, which is approximately the size of a quarter. Several device manufacturers will also display their DataPlay-enabled products at the Imation booth. Imation DataPlay digital media is designed to let users download and record 500MB of digital content - music, books, games, images, computer files - on a single disc and play it back on any DataPlay-enabled device, such as digital music players, e-books, portable games or digital cameras. A single Imation DataPlay digital media disc is capable of holding a staggering amount of information, whether it's hours of music, hundreds of photographs or volumes of written information, all with an estimated archival life of 100 years. Imation is the first US-based manufacturer of both blank and pre-recorded digital media, as well as a worldwide distribution partner. Products are expected to be available in select retailers by first half of 2002.
Imation will also highlight its new Imation 32X CD-R media - a recordable CD designed for the next wave of high-speed CD-R and CD-RW drives. The write-once discs, available in silver, black and five neon colors, offer an increased storage capacity of 700MB of data or up to 80 minutes for audio files.
Imation's new line of small format optical media includes mini (80mm) CD-R and Business Card CD-R media. The recently launched mini (80mm) CD-R discs can hold up to 185MB of digital information or six hours compressed audio files- ideal for such applications as video, audio, photos, PowerPoint presentations and personal Web sites. Imation's Business Card CD-R discs feature a write speed of up to 16X and can hold up to 50MB of information or 5.5 minutes of audio files. The tiny discs are useful for sharing detailed company information, marketing materials such as portfolio of products and services, PowerPoint presentations, personnel files and much more. Availability for Business Card CD-RW is slated for January 2002.
Imation continues to expand its line of DVD media offerings, with the latest addition of 4.7GB DVD+RW. This rewritable format is designed to achieve excellent two-way compatibility with current and future DVD drives and video players. For use only with DVD Recordable drives that support DVD+RW blank media, this technology provides an easy-to-use solution that can be shared in the office and living room for a variety of data and video applications. Imation currently offers a variety of DVD media products, including 4.7GB DVD-R, and 4.7 and 9.4GB DVD-RAM media.
Accessories for Mobile Users
Imation will highlight the new Imation On-the-GO!(TM) storage accessories system designed to keep your CDs, DVDs and diskettes organized and protected in a convenient, easy-to-use system. Featuring unique removable media sleeves, this system allows users to interchange storage sleeves between the various accessories within the Imation On-the-GO! storage system, including the Media Storage Starter Kit, CD Wallet, Multimedia Filer, and Multimedia Wallet. This new system complements Imation's existing line of storage accessories that will be on display, including the Imation Pop-Out Neon Storage Cases and Imation Label-N-GO! CD labeling kit.
The Imation Pop-Out Neon Storage Cases are available in five neon colors and feature a unique pop-out mechanism that allows users to push an ejector button at the top of the case for quick access to CDs. The Imation Label-N-GO!(TM) CD labeling kit is an all-in-one label kit that includes design software featuring more than 500 trendy designs, 50 premium-quality label sheets, an easy-to-use label applicator and a permanent marker. Ideal for home or on the go, its sleek carrying case allows quick access and creativity anytime and anywhere. Additional accessories for CD labeling include the Imation CD label Refill Kits that include 25 and 50-pack premium quality inkjet labels, and the Imation CD Label Markers to further custom design CDs in a wide variety of colors.
About Imation Corp.
Imation Corp. is a $1.2 billion global company widely recognized as a leader in removable data storage.
Imation removable data storage offerings are a key ingredient in much of the world's technology infrastructure - from corporate data centers, to networks, to small businesses and home users. The product line is one of the broadest in the industry, with magnetic and optical products for the enterprise data center, the network environment, and the consumer. For business users, Imation magnetic tape cartridges deliver reliable data storage in data processing, backup and archive applications. Imation's storage consulting services help customers to improve performance, maximize efficiency, and minimize cost for a multitude of storage environments. Consumers use Imation's broad range of digital media, drives and accessories to store photos, data, music and more. On its own and through industry alliances, Imation continues to pioneer today's proven tape, optical and diskette technologies. Data storage revenues were $866 million in 2000.
As of September 30, 2001, Imation employed approximately 4,100 people worldwide. The Company has sales in over 60 countries with international revenues contributing approximately 45% of total sales. Additional information about Imation is available on the Company's website at http://www.imation.com, or by calling Imation at 1.888.466.3456. To receive recent news releases, corporate information and related shareholder services, call Imation's shareholder information line at 1.888.IMN.NYSE (1.888.466.6973).
Imation, Imation RipGO!, Imation FlashGO!, Imation Label-N-GO!, and the Imation logo are trademarks of Imation Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Certain information contained in this news release, which does not relate to historical financial information may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results in the future to differ materially from its historical results and those presently anticipated or projected. Among these factors are the Company's ability to meet its cost reduction and revenue growth targets, its ability to implement its restructuring program on a timely basis and to achieve the projected benefits, its ability to introduce new offerings in a timely manner, the competitive pricing environment, foreign currency fluctuations, the ability of Imation to secure adequate supply of certain high demand products, the ready availability and price of energy, the market acceptance of newly introduced product and service offerings, the rate of decline for certain existing products as well as various factors set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sharp and Aether Demonstrate Sharp Mobile Services for New Zaurus SL-5500 PDA at CES 2002;
Aether Developing Wireless Consumer E-Mail Solution
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (CES 2002, Booth #1026, Las Vegas Convention Center) Sharp Electronics Corp., today demonstrated its ``consumer'' wireless services offering for the Sharp Zaurus(TM) SL-5500 at CES 2002. In December 2001, Sharp and Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: AETH - news), a leading provider of wireless data products and services, announced the development of Sharp Mobile Services for the enterprise customer, an end-to-end wireless solution, including modem ordering and fulfillment, network service, billing, customer service and support. The consumer solution will be available for the Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 in the first quarter of 2002. Zaurus consumers will be able to register for Sharp Mobile Services at http://www.sharpmobile.com.
Sharp Mobile Services' consumer solution will allow users to send and receive e-mail from POP3 and IMAP4 e-mail accounts, view e-mail attachments, and browse the web wirelessly. As a result of using Aether's core Fusion(TM) technology as the basis for the wireless optimization and data compression, the web browsing experience will be faster and more efficient than on current data networks.
``We are offering consumers a comprehensive wireless package for their Zaurus PDA,'' said Steve Petix, associate vice president of Sharp's Mobile and IT Solutions Group. ``Partnering with Aether Systems ensures that we can deliver the speed, quality of service and functionality to make Sharp Mobile Services a huge success among our customers.''
``We are delighted to have been selected by Sharp to wirelessly enable its Sharp Zaurus PDA,'' said Gregg Smith, vice president of Aether's enterprise solutions division. ``The consumer solution is a uniquely positioned service in that it offers uses a robust wireless e-mail and web browsing experience on a truly innovative device.''
In addition to a consumer e-mail solution, Sharp Mobile Services will also offer a comprehensive enterprise solution, leveraging Aether Fusion(TM). Benefits include secure, real-time, wireless access to e-mail, optimized web browsing, e-mail attachment management, wireless PIM functionality, and other customized applications. Through Sharp Mobile Services, Aether and Sharp will provide corporate users with an integrated wireless data package, including application server and support hosting, global product fulfillment, customer care, technical support, and 24-hour network operations support.
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA was announced today to consumers at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. An innovative PDA for professional consumers and corporate users, the Zaurus SL-5500 features Sharp's high-resolution color reflective LCD screen technology, an integrated QWERTY keyboard with a sliding cover, dual expansion with Compact Flash and Secure Digital slots, a powerful Intel® StrongARM® 206MHz processor, 64MB of standard memory, and an MP3 and MPEG1 multimedia player offering users a next-generation mobile device for all their business and personal needs, from wireless communications to mobile multimedia and entertainment.
This press release includes forward-looking statements based on current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Aether that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of Aether and Sharp to successfully develop the products and services described in this release. These risks and other risk factors are described in Aether's report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aether undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
About Sharp
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit audio products, the SharpVision® line of projection products, Viewcam® camcorders, Sharp Carousel® microwaves, Imager(TM) digital multi-functional systems, the Notevision® line of multi-media projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) Personal Mobile Tool. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.sharpusa.com.
About Aether
Aether Systems helps enterprise customers improve efficiency and profitability by providing the services, software and support necessary to extend existing and future applications from the desktop to any wireless device. Through Aether Fusion(TM), Aether's wireless enabling technology foundation, Aether develops, deploys and manages wireless solutions built on industry standard technology and backed by Aether's expertise in wireless hosting, software and services. Aether provides the worlds of business and government with a single source for reliable, scalable and cost effective wireless solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.aethersystems.com.
SOURCE: Sharp Electronics Corp. and Aether Systems, Inc.
Intel Demonstrates Leading-Edge Technologies for PCs, Notebooks and Handhelds at CES 2002
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--Intel Corporation will show the latest technologies for desktop PCs, notebooks and handheld devices at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show.
At booth no. 331, Intel will exhibit desktop PCs and applications running on the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor at 2.2 GHz, the world's highest-performance processor introduced on Jan. 7. The company will also offer technology demonstrations of notebooks running on the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor-M, which will be introduced in the first half of 2002. More than 25 demonstrations will feature the latest PCs and notebooks from leading manufacturers.
``Consumers are at the center of an exciting digital world where they have the ability to create, share and enjoy music, movies, photography and games on their PCs anytime, anywhere,'' said Ann Lewnes, vice president, Intel Sales and Marketing Group, and director of Consumer Marketing. ``From the desktop to the notebook to the handheld device, Intel's processor and other core technologies deliver the performance and reliability to make these experiences possible.''
The Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz arrives at a time when nearly 450 million people use PCs that run at 700 MHz or less. While those PCs were state-of-the-art four years ago, they pre-date the MP3 revolution, streaming video on the Internet, recordable DVDs, and the online gaming phenomenon. Starting today, consumers can buy PCs based on the Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz and Microsoft's Windows(a) XP operating system from computer makers worldwide.
Intel will demonstrate never-before-seen prototype notebooks based on the upcoming mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M. This processor will have all of the performance attributes of its desktop counterpart, as well as innovative low-power mobile technologies that help maximize battery life. Due in the first half of this year, mainstream notebooks based on this processor will provide consumers with the highest levels of laptop performance. Many of these mobile Pentium 4 Processor-M-based notebooks will feature wireless technologies including 802.11 and Bluetooth enabling anytime, anywhere communication.
In addition to PC technology, Intel will showcase handheld and 2.5 and 3G wireless products from several industry leaders including Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, NEC and Casio. All the devices feature Intel's industry-leading proprietary component technologies including Intel® StrongARM and Intel® StrataFlash technologies.
Intel's StrongARM processors provide the computing strength behind personal digital assistants (PDAs) like the Compaq iPaq(a) and HP Jornada(a) and the ``Mira''-enabled device from ViewSonic(a) that will extend the Windows PC experience to anywhere in the home. Cell phones, including the NEC FOMA N2002(a) phone, which runs on the world's first 3G (third-generation) wireless network in Japan, also feature the high performing, low power Intel StrongARM processor and allows a rich multimedia experience while saving battery life.
Intel will also exhibit its line of home networking products. Intel® AnyPoint(TM) Wireless II home networking enables consumers and small office users to connect wirelessly any combination of desktop and notebook PCs for quick and easy resource sharing. The AnyPoint Connection Manager software makes it possible for mobile users to connect wirelessly to the Internet at home, work and technology ``hot spots'' like airport lounges and hotels.
Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
(a) Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property
iBiquity's Digital AM and FM Radio Technology Licensed for Automotive Use
World's Second Largest Automotive Supplier to Produce IBOC Digital AM & FM Receivers for Automakers
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- International Consumer Electronics Show - iBiquity Digital Corporation, the sole developer and licenser of digital AM and FM broadcast technology in the United States, announced it has licensed iBiquity's IBOC (In-Band On-Channel) AM and FM digital broadcast technology to Visteon Corporation. Visteon will integrate iBiquity's IBOC digital AM and FM technology into receivers slated for availability to automakers in the 2004 model year timeframe. Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide.
``Visteon is committed to providing our customers with the most technically advanced sound management systems for the automotive environment,' said John Kill, Visteon Corporation's Vice President of Product Development. ``The license agreement to integrate iBiquity's AM and FM digital radio technology will advance our efforts to supply our customers with the highest possible audio quality for consumers.'
iBiquity Digital's IBOC technology transforms today's radio experience by allowing broadcasters to seamlessly transmit digital quality audio alongside existing analog-based broadcasts, as well as offering the ability to deliver wireless data simultaneously for a wide variety of consumer applications, including traffic, weather and artist information and much more. IBOC digital radios, such as those being developed by Visteon, will enable consumers to receive these signals with audibly improved fidelity.
At this week's CES 2002 exhibition in Las Vegas, Visteon's functioning IBOC OEM radio model will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the iBiquity Digital booth (#7627- North hall) and in the Texas Instruments booth (#13737 - South hall). Developed to fit within a standard automotive radio chassis, this model employs the latest IBOC DSP-based solution from Texas Instruments and, in addition to providing the digital quality sound that the iBiquity system is renowned for, it will also include a display screen offering real-time information.
``We are extremely pleased to have Visteon as a licensee because their importance and influence within the automotive industry is without question,' said Robert Struble, President and CEO, iBiquity Digital Corporation. ``Our work to date with Visteon has been extremely successful and the conclusion of this agreement allows Visteon to quickly finalize its development and enter production of AM and FM digital radios for its automotive customers.'
About iBiquity Digital
iBiquity Digital is the sole developer and licenser of digital AM and FM broadcast technology in the U.S., which will transform today's analog radio to digital, enabling radically upgraded sound and new wireless data services. The company's investors include 14 of the nation's top radio broadcasters, including ABC, Clear Channel and Viacom; technology companies Harris, Lucent, Texas Instruments and Visteon; and leading financial institutions, such as J.P. Morgan Partners, Pequot Capital and J&W Seligman. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Detroit, MI and Warren, NJ. For more information, visit www.ibiquity.com.
SOURCE: iBiquity Digital Corporation
Alpine Introduces Its First In-Dash DVD AM/FM Tuner With Built-In MP3 Decoder
Alpine's New DVA-7996 In-Dash DVD Player Bridges Mobile Video Entertainment With Playback of Latest In-Car Audio Formats
TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today unveiled its new DVA-7996 in-dash DVD head unit, the industry's first automotive DVD-based AM/FM tuner to feature a built-in MP3 decoder. Alpine designed its new DVA-7996 to provide consumers with an in-dash component system that provides both premium video playback and high quality sound performance from a variety of popular audio formats, including DVD video, CDs, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio. The DVA-7996 is Alpine's first XM-Ready DVD product, providing an easy upgrade path to all digital media compatibility.
In keeping with its focus on providing premium sound quality, the DVA-7996 features Alpine's new Media Xpander(TM) sound correction technology, which restores the original impact to popular compressed digital audio formats, such as MP3 and CDs. The DVA-7996 also features Alpine's signature Bass Engine Plus(TM) technology, which allows for head-unit controlled bass management and complete sound tuning of the vehicle's interior, including subwoofer level control and phase (0 degrees - 180 degrees), four-channel time correction, three-position cross-over, and treble and bass center adjustment.
Designed to provide the ultimate in in-vehicle personalization and system control, the DVA-7996 features independent DVD/CD audio outputs and rear seat audio control, allowing consumers to simultaneously accommodate video entertainment for rear seat passengers, while the other sources can be utilized in the front. Utilizing Alpine's own Ai-Net technology, the DVA-7996 can be connected to any Alpine AiNet system component, such as changers or sound processors.
``Our breakthrough DVA-7996 allows people to make the most of their DVD investment by integrating premium video playback with the best sound quality from a variety of popular audio formats,'' said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. ``The feature-packed DVA-7996 provides outstanding value with optimum flexibility and personalization features for the mobile electronics enthusiast.''
Other key features of Alpine's new DVD-7996 include:
-- Swing Face mechanism, allowing for faceplate viewing at any desired
angle
-- Versatile Link(TM)-Ready, allowing for audio output from portable units
(MP3 players, video game systems, TV tuners, etc.) to be played through
the head unit
-- Black Out Display, allowing the LCD to be turned off during play,
reducing power drain in the headunit, as well as eliminating a possible
source of noise
-- MDAC (High-quality digital-to-analog converter)
-- Optical Digital Output (CD audio, Dolby Digital(R), DTS(R)
capabilities)
-- 4 Volt PreOut with DC-DC Converter
-- 3 PreOuts
-- RUE-4190 integrated audio/navigation/DVD/TV-tuner remote control
The DVA-7996 will be available in June; suggested retail index: $ 1,300.
About Alpine's Media Xpander(TM) Technology
Applying DSP techniques developed in Alpine's research labs, the company's Media Xpander sound correction technology restores the size and impact of the original recording to compressed audio and video media formats like MP3s, DVDs and CDs. Alpine is incorporating this breakthrough technology in all of its MP3-supported receivers/tuners and changers in 2002.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is the world's leading mobile electronics system supplier. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, security and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe for both after-market and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Alpine is the Alps Group's specialized supplier of high quality mobile electronics systems. Visit Alpine at www.alpine.com to learn more about mobile multimedia excellence or www.alpine1.com to find the closest dealer.
For further information please contact John Rafacz, +1-310-248-5454, john@fdpr.com, or Heidi Davis, +1-207-363-8575, heidi@fdpr.com, both of Faiola Davis Public Relations for Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
SOURCE: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
OpenGlobe Announces Texas Instruments DSP-based UPnP Network Audio Reference Design
New Network Audio Entertainment Solution Shatters Cost Barriers Enabling OEMs to Quickly Deliver Inexpensive, Differentiated Products
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002-- Driving design costs and time to market down to mass-market levels, Indianapolis-based OpenGlobe, Inc. today announced the industry's most cost-effective reference design for universal plug and play (UPnP)-compliant network audio entertainment receiver/players.
This easy-to-build, complete reference design utilizes a digital signal processor (DSP)-based solution from Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE:TXN - news) to enable Internet radio and streaming of digital music files from a digital audio server appliance or a PC in a home network. For the first time, manufacturers will be able to offer next-generation networked audio receivers that support Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 for less than $199.
``OpenGlobe's new reference design makes use of a variety of silicon solutions from Texas Instruments, including DSP, codecs and digital amplifiers,'' stated Bernie Sepaniak, CEO of OpenGlobe. ``Combining Texas Instrument's global marketing and comprehensive technical support network with OpenGlobe's consultative and entertainment services, OEM's can accelerate the time-to-market to deliver connected audio products that truly enhance the entertainment experience.''
This market-making reference design simplifies consumer electronics products, such as bookshelf mini-systems, clock radios and receivers, enabling low-cost access to home networking and Internet-based content. OpenGlobe and Texas Instruments (TI) will offer manufacturers dramatic system cost savings coupled with a faster time to market.
``OpenGlobe has developed an advanced reference design using TI's network audio solution that will have a dramatic effect on the consumer electronics market,'' said Kun Lin, worldwide manager, Imaging and Audio Group at Texas Instruments. ``With this TI-based UPnP-compliant design, consumer electronics manufacturers now can build simple-to-install, network audio entertainment products at a low system cost.''
Based on TI's network audio processor, the reference design incorporates OpenGlobe's Entertainment Services, which deliver critical metadata and other content to enhance the listening experience. The programmability of TI's network audio processor allows OEMs to differentiate their products with home networking options, such as Ethernet, HomePlug, HomePNA, or 802.11b, as well as a power amplifier subsystem, plus front panel control and display features. The reference design plays WMA and MP3 music files, as well as Internet radio stations streamed in either format. The reference design and evaluation board (EVM) are expected to be available in March 2002.
For more information about getting started today, visit OpenGlobe at www.openglobe.NET or at the Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas Convention Center at Booth No. 22741, South Hall 2.
About OpenGlobe(TM)
OpenGlobe, Inc., an affiliated company of Escient Technologies, LLC, is a leading entertainment services and media device technologies provider delivering simply powerful home entertainment. Working with world-class consumer electronics and personal computer manufacturers and core component suppliers, OpenGlobe seamlessly brings a world of entertainment capabilities into users' home entertainment systems. Users can easily store and access their media collections, discover gaps, import and use digital media, create favorite playlists, or further access the OpenGlobe services to explore new artists or genres, get customized content, receive media recommendations, and opt into personalized CE-Commerce(TM) purchasing opportunities. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OpenGlobe sets the benchmark for products and services that entertain the concept of simplicity. www.OpenGlobe.NET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SmartDisk Introduces World's Smallest 5 Gigabyte Hard Drive for USB 2.0
FireFly Packs Processing Power into Tiny, Palm-Sized Casing
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--SmartDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SMDK - news) today announced the creation of the world's smallest portable 5 Gigabyte (GB) Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 hard drive, FireFly(TM) for USB. Approximately the size of a deck of playing cards, FireFly for USB stores up to five hours of superior quality video, more than 1,000 MP3 songs or more than 2,000 high-quality digital photographs. SmartDisk is demonstrating the new drive in booth 13311E & F (South Hall), Las Vegas Convention Center at the Consumer Electronics Show and in booth 1544, Moscone Convention Center, at Macworld Conference and Expo/San Francisco 2002, January 8-11.
Perfect for the creative mind on the go, FireFly is ideal for a variety of digital video, audio, data backup and multimedia applications used by consumers and professionals. FireFly stores and rapidly transfers large volumes of music, video, photos and data to and from desktops and laptops. Its small, durable magnesium casing - just 2.5`` (W) x 4'' (D) x .5`` (H) - and weight of less than four ounces make it easy to carry in a purse, a briefcase or even a shirt pocket. It supports both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 host systems, which means that users in transition between the two versions can use a single FireFly on any USB machine.
``The storage capacity and compact size of FireFly for USB are incomparable to anything on the market today,'' said Rod H. King, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for SmartDisk. ``With advancements like this, photographers, audiophiles, consumers and professionals alike can store and carry entire music, photo or data collections in their shirt pocket.''
``FireFly for USB answers the call for a truly portable and universally compatible storage solution from the millions of consumers and professionals who use Windows and Macintosh computers and applications,'' said Stuart Cox, Vice President, Product Development for SmartDisk. ``FireFly is truly built to be portable: it's small and lightweight, and because it's powered by the computer itself, it doesn't require its own power adapter. FireFly is also 'Mass Storage Class' compliant, which means users don't have to install software drivers before using FireFly - they can just plug it into their computer's USB port and go.''
With a sleek, silver-colored magnesium casing, FireFly has a unique, striking appeal. Its rapid read and write speeds mean users can work on applications and data directly on the drive - there's no need to copy anything first to an internal drive.
FireFly was first introduced with FireWire(TM) connectivity at last July's Macworld Conference and Expo in New York, where it was given a ``Best of Show'' award.
Pricing and Availability
FireFly for USB is priced at $299.95 MSRP for the 5 GB capacity model, with plans underway for additional higher capacity models in the near future. The 5 GB model will be available in February through retailers and distributors, as well as through the company's Web site at http://www.smartdisk.com.
About SmartDisk Corporation
SmartDisk is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of a range of advanced consumer electronic products and exciting software solutions that are enabling the digital age and simplifying the digital lifestyle. The company's innovative products help users transfer, store, manage and share digital music, video, pictures and data. Headquartered in the U.S., with operations in Europe and Asia, SmartDisk sells and supports its products worldwide. SmartDisk's partners include Apple, Fujifilm, Olympus, Sony, Toshiba and others. For more information, go to http://www.smartdisk.com.
All trade names referenced are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Thomson multimedia: mp3PRO Family Grows
Online Content Providers, Hardware Manufacturers And Software Developers Line Up For The New Codec
FOR CES 2002:
SAN DIEGO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002-- Thomson multimedia (Paris Euroclear:18453) (NYSE:TMS - news), the exclusive licensing representative for mp3 patents and software of Fraunhofer and Coding Technologies, today announced that the mp3PRO music format continues to gain widespread industry and consumer support as content providers, hardware manufacturers and software developers conclude licensing agreements for the advanced mp3 codec for their products.
According to Henri Linde, Vice President, New Business of the Patent and Licensing unit for Thomson multimedia, the company has reached a number of significant mp3PRO licensing agreements with leading Internet providers, software developers and designers and hardware manufacturers, underscoring the rapid expansion of the next generation mp3 format.
Launched in mid-June, mp3PRO is an update to mp3, the ubiquitous standard for digital audio files and clearly the most popular digital audio format available. The new mp3PRO codec combines more efficient compression and a higher-fidelity ``CD quality'' music experience to give users better sounding, smaller files that are backward compatible with the standard mp3 format.
Hardware Support:
In addition to the products offerings from Thomson multimedia, such as the RCA LYRA Personal Jukebox (an mp3PRO-ready hard-disc device that can hold 300 hours of music), the industry's most prominent hardware manufacturers have reached licensing agreements with Thomson multimedia for mp3PRO, including:
Philips - Premiering a range of consumer products at the CES show, Philips devices will decode mp3PRO streams via such popular services as Radio Free Virgin, mp3.com and MUSICMATCH.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN - news) became the first company to license Thomson's mp3PRO digital audio format, applying TI's programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) to offer manufacturers updated Internet audio devices to support the mp3PRO format. The programmability of the TI DSP gives manufacturers the option to provide a Web site where customers can go to upgrade their audio players for mp3PRO.
ST Microelectronics
A leading producer of decoder chips for the existing mp3 standard, ST Microelectronics is working closely with Coding Technologies, the inventor of mp3PRO, to implement the new algorithm for the company's MMDSP+ digital signal processor core. This 24-bit digital signal processor (DSP) is optimized for high quality audio processing applications and is used by ST in many products for music decoding, speech recognition, echo canceling and so on. Using this optimal DSP core, ST's mp3PRO decoder chips will consume less power, extending battery life in portable players.
Software Support
Software designers finalizing mp3PRO licenses to encode media player software include:
MUSICMATCH
MUSICMATCH, which pioneered personalized music software and services with its acclaimed jukebox, has integrated mp3PRO for the streaming and decoding of its MUSICMATCH Radio MX service, reaching nearly 80,000 subscribers, and will feature the mp3PRO encoder in its upcoming versions of MUSICMATCH Jukebox.
Gracenote
Thomson multimedia and Gracenote have joined forces to launch a one-stop digital music solution that combines mp3PRO and the Gracenote CDDB® Music Recognition Service. The partnership gives software and hardware developers simple, streamlined access to the newest generations of the world's most popular digital music codec and music recognition service. The agreement gives the more than 2,000 commercial CDDB media-player developers streamlined access to mp3PRO encoding and decoding.
Ahead Software, Magix and Steinberg
Three popular Germany-based music software providers have released product incorporating mp3PRO codecs into the latest versions of their music management software programs.
Mayah Communications
MAYAH® Communications, a recognized developer and distributor of high quality solutions for the broadcast and telecommunications industry, has licensed the mp3PRO technology for its CENTAURI-Audio-Web-Server and software solutions.
Microprocessor Support
Microprocessor solutions providers ARM and Tensilica have signed with Thomson to adopt mp3PRO for their respective microprocessor architectures, allowing hardware manufacturers to rapidly integrate mp3PRO into their products.
Online Content Providers
Four of the Internet's premiere music providers - Mp3.com, MUSICMATCH and Radio Free Virgin- have each selected to make content available in the mp3PRO format, taking advantage of the economic benefits resulting from the codec's reduced bandwidth.
Singingfish, the leader in multimedia search announced today that it will provide support for finding mp3PRO content early this year, allowing users to quickly find mp3PRO files anywhere on the World Wide Web. Singingfish multimedia search services deliver fast and easy access to the world's largest index of links to streaming media content. Singingfish has indexed millions of links to streaming and downloadable media files and anticipates the volume of mp3PRO files to expand dramatically over the coming months.
``Wide support for mp3PRO by leading companies involved in hardware manufacturing, software development and Internet content is contributing towards the expansion of the format across all music distribution categories,'' said Linde. ``Together with our numerous mp3 licensing partners, Thomson is establishing mp3PRO as the new format standard.''
About mp3 and mp3PRO:
The 1995 launch of mp3 sparked a new age in the distribution of music and Internet broadcasting. Today, mp3 continues to rank as the codec standard, with well over 150 companies having licensed mp3 across the Internet and dedicated player-recorder industries. Nearly every song in the world has been encoded into mp3, and nearly every PC in the world has mp3 encoding capability. Underscoring the company's commitment to the future growth of mp3 as a global standard, Thomson multimedia together with Coding Technologies of Sweden launched mp3PRO, improved version of the mp3 coding-decoding (codec) format that provides near CD-quality sound while doubling the compression rate. mp3PRO provides 128kbs performance at a 64kbs encoding rate and is both backward and forward compatible with mp3.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding prospects for the future that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual income to differ materially from those expected are the following: business conditions and general economic conditions; competitive factors such as pricing and marketing efforts of rival companies; timing of product introductions; ability of contract manufacturers to meet product price objectives and delivery schedules; legislative, regulatory, and industry initiatives that may affect planned or actual product features and marketing methods; and the pace and success of product research and development. For more information on the potential factors that could affect the company's financial income, please review the relevant SEC filings.
About Thomson multimedia
With sales of 9.1 billion Euros (U.S. $ 8.3 billion) in 2000 and 73,000 employees in more than 30 countries, Thomson multimedia (Paris Euroclear: 18453) (NYSE: TMS - news), provides a wide range of video (and enabling) technologies, systems, finished products and services to consumers and professionals in the entertainment and media industries. To advance and enable the digital media transition, Thomson multimedia has five principal activities: Digital Media Solutions, Displays and Components, Consumer Products, Patents and Licensing, and New Media Services. The company distributes its products under the THOMSON, RCA and TECHNICOLOR brand names. For more information: www.thomson-multimedia.com.
About Singingfish
Singingfish, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomson multimedia, develops multimedia search services that enable Internet users to quickly and easily locate and access popular streaming media content including entertainment, news and sports via any Internet accessible PC or CE device. Based in Seattle, Wash., the company has firmly positioned itself as the leader in multimedia search by compiling the world's largest index of streaming media, incorporating proprietary automation into its search solutions, and offering a robust suite of search services that are easily adaptable to each customer. More information about Singingfish is available online at www.singingfish.com.
About Coding Technologies:
Coding Technologies is focusing on developing and implementing unique audio compression technologies for the broadcasting, Internet and telecommunication markets. The company offers its audio solutions to system designers, chip/device manufacturers and content providers. Coding Technologies, a privately held company having offices in Stockholm, Sweden, and Nuremberg, Germany, combines the exceptional skills of a Swedish company specialized in audio compression technologies and a spin-off from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits. For more information, visit www.codingtechnologies.de.
About The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft:
The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is the leading organization of applied research in Germany. It operates 47 research centers in Germany with about 9,000 employees, about half of them scientists and engineers. The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft expands to a worldwide Organization, especially in USA and Asia. Home of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is Munich, Germany. One of the goals of the Fraunhofer policy is a rapid transfer of innovations into products. The total research expenditure is about US$ 700 million.
The Fraunhofer Institut Integrierte Schaltungen (Fraunhofer IIS-A), based in Erlangen, Germany, is one of the 47 research centers. Fraunhofer IIS-A is the leading international research lab in the field of high quality low bit rate audio coding. Fraunhofer IIS-A has been the main developer of the most advanced audio coding schemes, like MPEG Layer-3 and MPEG-2 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). Fraunhofer IIS-A plays a major role in the ongoing work for the MPEG-4 Audio standardization process and contributes to many other standards bodies as well, like ITU-R TG10/4, ITU-R WP10C and AES.
Certain statements in this press release, including any discussion of management expectations for future periods, constitute ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the ``safe harbor'' of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors. More detail information on the potential factors that could affect the financial results of THOMSON multimedia is contained in the THOMSON multimedia's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motorola to Package SanDisk SD Cards With New Motorola MP3 Player
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK - news) announced today that it will supply Motorola (NYSE:MOT - news) with SanDisk-branded Secure Digital (SD) Cards for the new Motorola MP3 player accessory for compatible Motorola mobile phones. The Motorola MP3 Player, which was recognized this week as a CES Innovations 2002 Design and Engineering Showcase honoree, is bundled with a 32 megabyte SanDisk SD card and plays MP3 files on stereo headphones.
The removable SanDisk postage stamp-size cards store MP3 files for high fidelity, near-CD quality music. The memory cards provide approximately 30 minutes of music for the consumer and the consumer will have the option of purchasing cards with additional memory for extended play. By integrating a slot for SD Cards, the Motorola MP3 player gains virtually unlimited memory expansion capabilities.
Chris Swambar, Product Manager, Motorola PCS Companion Products and Accessories Division said, ``The Motorola MP3 Player is Motorola's latest introduction in the personal audio accessory area. This product is designed to give consumers the freedom to take their favorite digital music with them wherever they go. Working with SanDisk helped make this experience possible by providing consumers with the memory storage capacity and flexibility they need.''
Bo Ericsson, vice president of OEM marketing at SanDisk, said, ``We are excited that Motorola chose SanDisk for both its design expertise and SD cards for Motorola's latest offering in the digital audio accessory market. SD cards add a tremendous amount of functionality and versatility and are quickly becoming a universal storage solution for digital music, video and imaging.''
SanDisk SD Cards will be available from Motorola and retail outlets where Motorola accessories are sold. They are also available at more than 38,000 retail outlets worldwide where SanDisk-branded flash cards are sold.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT - news) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. For more information, please visit the Motorola Web site at http://www.motorola.com.
About SanDisk Corporation
SanDisk Corporation, the world's largest supplier of flash data storage products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.
The matters discussed in this news release contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described under the caption ``Factors That May Affect Future Results'' in the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
For more information or images on SanDisk and its products, contact: www.sandisk.com/press.
Ultra-Slim MP3 Player Developed
A local venture firm yesterday unveiled an ulta-thin MP3 player, which can be used for audio as well as storing Internet contents.
Luck Technology Inc. said that it has developed the world's smallest MP3 device, which also boasts high-quality sound compatible with that of CD players.
The size of the new music player, called "mAudio," is equivalent to one- fourth of the thickness of a pack of cigarettes.
"Despite its tiny size, mAudio can store as many as 60 songs, three times more than existing MP3 players, with a 64-megabyte memory capacity," said Lee Kyu-ho, president of the company.
Lee, who is concurrently a professor at Yonsei University's department of medicine, set up the venture firm in March to commercialize cancer and brain disease treatment equipment that he developed himself. (10 October 2001, Korea Times)
Bill Gates Highlights the Magic of Consumer Software and the Coming Digital Decade at Consumer Electronics Show
Windows XP, Xbox and MSN Are Technology Cornerstones That Will Enable Exciting New Digital Experiences at Home and Growth for Industry and the Economy
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT - news) Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates kicked off the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today with a keynote address highlighting the exciting and expanding range of consumer experiences that software enables to enrich everyday life.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
In his third consecutive appearance at CES, Gates pointed to the release of three Microsoft® consumer products in the past year -- the Windows® XP operating system, Xbox(TM) video game system and MSN® 7 Internet service -- that have simplified daily tasks for people and helped them be more productive, communicate with friends and family, and enjoy personalized and more compelling forms of digital entertainment. Gates showed a number of new Microsoft products, including two sets of technologies code-named ``Mira'' and ``Freestyle,'' which extend the Windows XP experience, making it accessible anywhere in the home and enabling an environment in which the experience can be more easily shared.
Citing stronger-than-expected holiday sales of personal computers and consumer electronics, Gates said 2002 would be a defining year for consumer technology companies. Gates also announced strong momentum for Microsoft's key consumer offerings:
-- In the two months since its launch, sales of Windows XP exceeded
17 million copies, making it the fastest-selling version of Windows
ever.
-- Microsoft marked one of the most successful game console launches of
all time, selling 1.5 million Xbox units through the end of 2001. Xbox
has the highest game attach rate on record for a video game console
launch, with 3.2 games sold with every system through Dec. 29,
according to NPD Intelect. In addition, the "Halo(TM)" video game has
made the NPD Intelect weekly top-10 list every week since its
Nov. 15, 2001 launch.
-- Visitors to MSN spent $5.6 billion online during the 2001 holiday
season -- a 56 percent increase over that of 2000. MSN eShop exceeded
early predictions with a 106 percent increase in the number of shoppers
who visited the site this year compared with last year.(1)
Looking ahead, Gates predicted that the increased availability of broadband connectivity to the home, simplified home networking, the proliferation of smart-connected devices in the home and advancements in the digital device ecosystem will provide the foundation for compelling consumer experiences in the Digital Decade.
``It really is an exciting time for consumers and for the industry,'' Gates said. ``Technology advances are enabling a new generation of end-to-end experiences for the consumer in areas such as music, photos, video, communications and gaming. The opportunities for the consumer electronics, software and media industries have never been greater, and this cycle of innovation has the potential to provide valuable stimulus to the economy.''
In his keynote address, Gates outlined how by building on its cornerstone consumer products -- Windows XP, Xbox and MSN -- Microsoft will deliver a set of unique products that will provide best-of-breed capabilities in their respective categories and enable a new generation of consumer experiences that work seamlessly across a range of devices:
Platforms. Gates announced the launch of Windows CE .NET, the robust, real-time embedded operating system that allows developers to rapidly build the next generation of mobile and small-footprint smart devices such as handheld devices, smart phones, TV set-top boxes, and retail point-of-sale devices and displays. Gates also demonstrated some of the first Windows CE .NET-based devices from industry leaders such as Hitachi Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp. These are a few of the many companies that are already working with Windows CE .NET and are committed to delivering devices in 2002.
Microsoft's strategy for making XML Web services available through the Microsoft .NET Platform will begin to yield direct benefits to consumers this year. While Windows XP provides the foundation that enables devices to work better together, .NET will help provide a consistency of user experiences across devices and services from Microsoft, its industry partners and the industry as a whole. A growing number of consumer sites, including BankOne Corp., eBay Inc., Monster.com and Verizon, in addition to MSN, are enhancing their consumer offerings by building on the .NET Platform.
On the Go. With the proliferation of smart connected devices and the increased deployment of wireless networks, Microsoft continues to build mobile capabilities into its consumer products to support the needs of consumers on the move. During his keynote address, Gates demonstrated Microsoft's Windows Powered Smartphone 2002 software, a platform that provides innovative functionality and instant access to the Web, e-mail and a user's personal information, all in a mobile phone. Gates also previewed software that phone-enables Pocket PCs, bringing true voice and wireless data integration to the handheld space. Finally, Gates revealed a Remote Record feature for Microsoft UltimateTV® service that will allow subscribers to set up a recording on a receiver using a handheld computer, PC or any Web-enabled device.
Around the Home. Gates announced two new Windows technologies that will extend the consumer experiences enabled by Windows XP and will make the sharing of consumer experiences around the home much easier in the coming years. First, Gates highlighted ``Freestyle,'' a set of technologies from the Windows eHome Division designed to enhance and extend digital media experiences Windows XP delivers. ``Freestyle'' puts the power of the PC into a long-distance viewing experience. With a remote control, users can easily step away from their PC and enjoy sharing photos, home movies and music with others. ``Freestyle'' enables a new TV experience on the PC and with a TV tuner card will allow video recording from the PC. Microsoft continues to work with leading OEMs to provide first-generation PCs that will support these extended consumer experiences.
Gates also announced that Microsoft is delivering a set of Windows technologies, code-named ``Mira,'' that will enable PC and consumer electronics companies to create a new generation of smart displays that will extend Windows XP experiences anywhere in the home. ``Mira''-enabled devices utilize Windows CE .NET and provide an easy-to-use, low-maintenance smart display that allows users to gain access to their information with new form factors such as detachable, wireless, LCD monitors and digital televisions. Users will be able to undock their ``Mira''-enabled monitors and carry them anywhere in the house to browse the Web, read e-mail messages, run applications and access information that resides on their PC. To accomplish this, Microsoft is teaming with leading companies, including Intel Corp., National Semiconductor Corp., ViewSonic Corp. and Wyse Technology Inc. to deliver ``Mira''-enabled smart devices.
Entertainment. Chief Xbox Officer Robbie Bach joined Gates onstage to talk about the momentum for Xbox. The product is drawing wide acclaim for its compelling games titles, the most immersive game console experience available on the market and built-in broadband support (broadband scheduled to go live in summer 2002). Microsoft announced the availability of two hot new games, ``Jet Set Radio Future,'' scheduled to launch in Japan in February, and ``RalliSport Challenge,'' scheduled to launch in Europe in March.
In addition, Gates gave the first public demonstration of a DVD player that supports Windows Media(TM) Audio (WMA), the Panasonic DVD-RV32, the first of many Panasonic DVD products that will support WMA and thereby enable consumers to play back more than 22 hours of CD-quality music from a single CD. Gates said there is broad support for Windows Media from leading DVD player manufacturers, including Apex Digital Inc., Shinco (Jiangsu Shinco Electronics Group Company Limited) and Toshiba Corp., and from car stereo manufacturers AIWA, Blaupunkt, Kenwood and Pioneer. Today's announcements continue the strong momentum of Windows Media in consumer electronic devices, bringing the total to more than 100.
Gates closed his keynote address with a commitment by Microsoft and an invitation to the industry to work together to enhance and ensure security, privacy and reliability for consumers using technology and the Internet.
``The willingness of consumers to embrace new technologies is dependent on their confidence in the ability of the industry, including Microsoft, to offer software, services and devices that put the consumer first in terms of security, privacy and reliability,'' Gates said.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
NOTE: Microsoft, Windows Xbox, MSN, Halo, UltimateTV and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
(1) Source: Comscore, BPI 2001
SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.
Feature-Packed Internet Audio Micro System Brings Listeners Experience To a New Level
Philips Strengthens Leadership in Online Music Services With Sleek Second-Generation Micro System
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its leadership in Internet Audio, Philips Consumer Electronics showcased one of this year's Consumer Electronic Show (CES) Innovations 2002 award winners, the Streamium MC-i200 Internet Audio Micro System. Recognized for its access to multiple online music services and incredible micro system design, the MC-i200 is the world's first micro system offering access to multiple online audio stations via broadband Internet at the touch of a button. The innovative system integrates MP3-CD functionality and Philips' patented wOOx(TM) powered speaker set-up. The Streamium MC-i200 makes a stylish addition to Philips' first-generation Internet Audio Mini System, the FW-i1000.
Listeners will be able to connect to a vast number of online music services and premium digital music services now available globally, as well as those soon to be launched by the world's major content providers. These services will enable the easy selection of online music services and the simple creation of personal play lists stored in a secure ``online jukebox'' and then streamed to the listener's system for playback and enjoyment.
The MC-i200 has a slick design, too, sporting a high-tech metal finish, glass and metal buttons and speaker enclosures. MC-i200 users can listen to sports from another country or music from another part of the world by simply choosing one of three radio categories -- Genre, Language or Region. Scroll through global radio stations quickly and easily by utilizing the system's jog shuttle control and a large, easy-to-read LCD. Link-up to your PC through your broadband connection and access customized MP3 play lists. The MC-i200 also is the first Philips micro system to feature MP3PRO playback. Compressed MP3PRO files take up less space than MP3 files and, as an enhanced format, MP3PRO provides better sound quality.
``The Streamium MC-i200 offers consumers the latest in online music technology in a stylish new design -- a micro system,'' said Michael Lang, general manager, audio/video, Philips Consumer Electronics, North America. ``Building on the success of the FW-i1000 Internet Audio Mini System, we designed the Streamium MC-i200 to include more user-friendly options, so consumers can truly customize the system to their listening behaviors. In addition, the Streamium MC-i200 differentiates itself from micro-system competition not only by offering an Internet audio broadband connection, but also by featuring a complete audio system, allowing users to listen to MP3- CDs, standard CDs and their favorite online music services.''
The Streamium MC-i200 also offers the latest in audio technology. Flat aluminum cone woofers are driven by 100 Watts total power, delivering outstanding sound clarity. The Streamium MC-i200 is the first micro system to incorporate high-quality aluminum alloy speaker cones. And for superior low- frequency response, the Streamium MC-i200 speaker system utilizes Philips' proprietary wOOx technology. By combining dual-suspension bass radiators with dedicated amplifier circuitry, wOOx speakers can produce low and loud bass.
Users also will enjoy the built-in bedroom clock and wake-up alarm with sleep timer. The Streamium MC-i200's large LCD screen makes it easy to see the time or station. For added convenience, the innovative system offers consumers firmware upgrades. Through the MC-i200 and FW-i1000 Internet connections, users can access a Philips website, www.audio.philips.com , and keep up-to-date with developments and upgrades. Available summer 2002, the Streamium MC-i200 will have a suggested retail price of $399.
About Philips Internet Audio
The FW-i1000, innovator of the product category, completes Philips' Internet audio lineup. Also through a broadband connection, the FW-i1000 makes for easy access to more than 1,000 stations worldwide. The FW-i1000 features many sound enhancements, including wOOx speaker technology. Currently available, the FW-i1000 has a suggested retail price of $499.
About Philips
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG - news) is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $34.9 billion (EUR 37.9 billion) in 2000. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers and one-chip TV products. Its 192,000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges.
SanDisk Introduces Cruzer, World's First Personal, Pocket-size Storage Device with Removable Flash Memory Cards
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2002--
First-of-a-Kind Product for the Data Transport Market Made Possible Through Recent Dramatic Price Decline of Flash Memory Cruzer
Will Put Pictures, Songs and Data in Your Pocket
SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK - news) today introduced Cruzer(TM), the world's first portable, pocket-size storage device with removable and upgradeable flash memory cards. The personal storage device, about three inches long, one and three-fourth inches wide and about three-quarters of an inch thick, can be slipped into a pocket or purse for easy transport of personal computer data files, image files, video and audio between homes, offices and other locations where one would like to take their personal files and information. The Cruzer will accommodate both SD cards and MultiMediaCards, two extremely compact size storage cards that have wide industry support.
The SanDisk Cruzer was introduced at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center where SanDisk is showing products in booth 11511.
Wes Brewer, SanDisk's director of business development, said, ``It is rare that a new storage product can be described as 'unique'. Cruzer is unique because it is the first pocket-size, personal data storage device that is fully compatible with both PCs and consumer electronic devices. Up to now, all small flash storage devices were either PC centric or consumer electronic centric and could not be upgraded by the user. Cruzer provides the connectivity to both the PC/notebook environment and the consumer electronic appliance and also has a unique, stylish, highly ergonomic design.''
He added that, ``Cruzer fills a void in the portable storage market today that neither floppy disks nor memory cards can address. Floppy disks cannot be used in many electronic products because they are too large and lack adequate capacity. With memory cards, there are several different incompatible card formats and this prevents many of the cards from being used in various electronic systems. Cruzer helps to bridge those problems because it plugs into the industry-standard USB port that is built into desktop PCs, portable notebook computers and numerous other products, while its removable storage medium can also easily link the PC to a broad array of consumer electronics devices such as digital cameras, music players and PDAs that have an SD or MultiMediaCard slot.''
Eric Bone, retail product marketing manager, added, ``The Cruzer is targeted at today's active, on-the-go lifestyle. Today, people want to conveniently carry some of their music to a friend's house to share the sounds. They want to take some new photos to a family gathering to show them to their relatives. And those in business surely would find it much more convenient to carry their electronic presentation in their pocket, rather than a laptop when they travel, and just plug the Cruzer into a USB port at their destination. The promise of the 'network everywhere' still has not occurred and the physical transfer of data is still highly practical with consumers. The Cruzer allows them to carry and move that personal data in a secure, reliable, solid-state device.''
``Cruzer is the ideal truly portable personal storage device,'' said J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D., CEO of Mobile Insights in Mountain View, Calif. ``With Cruzer, mobile professionals will have an upgradeable storage system that can operate on millions of PCs in the world. Cruzer benefits from the dramatic price reductions in flash memory in the past year, which bring the price of a 128 megabyte (MB) Cruzer to parity with the price of a 100MB Zip drive.''
Cruzers initially will be available in four capacities -- 32, 64, 128 and 256MB. Consumers could, for example, store 35 to 70 songs (depending on compression scheme used) on a 128MB Cruzer or at least 64 high-resolution images on a 64MB Cruzer. More than 40,000 pages of double-spaced text could be stored on a 32MB Cruzer. As higher capacity cards become available users will be able to upgrade their Cruzers to these higher capacities.
Cruzer features Mass Storage Class (MSC) compliance, which allows for true ``Plug-and-Play'' operation when used with Windows 2000, Millennium Edition (ME) and XP. MSC is natively supported in Windows 2000, ME, XP, Apple OS 9.X and OS X which means consumers do not need to install an extra driver to use Cruzer. Cruzers also work with Microsoft Windows 98 and Macintosh computers with Mac OS 8.6 and USB support. Cruzer production units will include software passwords for enhanced protection of personal files.
The Cruzer's advantages over floppy disks include higher capacities to store more files, data transfer speeds that are at least 10 times faster and a much more compact and robust design.
It is expected that the Cruzer will be available early in the second quarter of 2002 in many of the 38,000 retail stores worldwide where SanDisk-branded products are sold. The device is expected to sell, depending on capacity, at prices ranging from $59.95 to $199.95. It is expected that the 128MB Cruzer will sell for $99.95.
SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash data storage products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, Calif.
SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com.
The matters discussed in this news release contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described under the caption, ``Factors That May Affect Future Results'' in the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies assume no obligation to update the information in this release.
Note to Editors: All trade names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Digital 5 To Unveil New Server/Client Home Networking System
By Mark Long -- e-inSITE, 1/5/02
Digital 5 has announced that the company will be rolling out a new server/client home networking system at CES in Las Vegas next week that has been designed to enable the wireless streaming of multimedia content to all the rooms in a home environment. Called Netmedia, the embedded technology currently offers support for WMA, MP3, WAV and other multimedia formats, as well as RTP/RTSP and various additional streaming protocols, with video functionality to follow later in the year.
The IP-based technology--which has been implemented using TI's TMS320C5000 DSP family--is targeted at OEMs of next generation digital entertainment devices such as intelligent networked speakers, DVD/CD players, and digitally enabled clock radios/receivers. Netmedia's optimization software also includes codec engines that reportedly run under a networked RTOS environment with less than 200 KB of code to cut down on the DSP overhead.
According to Digital 5, Netmedia can be used to create synchronized, multiple stream, home digital entertainment network components. PC support is available right now, with provisions for next generation home entertainment servers to follow. Audio Networking options are also currently available for 802.11b and other LAN standards.
The Netmedia client combines embedded system technology with the company's Netmedia networking software. The total system can also be implemented on a low-cost, small-footprint embedded system card that will enable notebooks and PCs to store digital music or access digital entertainment audio peripherals.
"Just as printers and speakers are to a PC so will Netmedia be to enabled peripherals," claims president and CEO Ron Stevens. "Netmedia provides the fastest and most distinctive form factor for adding low cost streaming multimedia connectivity to standard home products
Set-top boxes to become US$14 billion global market in 2005 Compiled from outside sources by Hsu Chia-hui, Research Center; Willie Teng, DigiTimes.com [Monday 7 January 2002]
The global STB (set-top box) market will generate US$14 billion in 2005, according to the Electronics Industry Association of Korea (EIAK), and satellite broadcast STBs will represent about a 40% share of the market at US$5.5 billion. South Korea will export US$1.5 billion of satellite broadcast STBs in 2005, the EIAK reported.
The STB market is expected to grow 15% annually, especially models with PVR (personal video recorder) and WebBox functions.
Europe’s STB market generated demand for 6.3 million units or US$2.1 billion in 2001, of which 80% came from closed platforms and 20% from open platforms. In 2005, the European market is projected to reach 13 million units or US$2.25 billion. Open platform products will catch up to account for half of the market.
Sales in North and South America are expected to grow from 9.7 million units in 2001 to 12.6 million units in 2005. About 9.5 million units were sold in Asia and the Middle East in 2001, and the STB market in the two regions is expected to grow at a ferocious pace to 14 million units in 2003.
RealSystem 8 Will Enable AOL's More Than 23 Million Members to Seamlessly Enjoy Integrated Audio and Video Experiences
SEATTLE, WA and DULLES, VA , July 13, 2000 — RealNetworks®, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK) and America Online, Inc. [NYSE: AOL] today announced an agreement under which AOL will deploy RealSystem® 8 throughout its network. In addition, AOL 6.0, due out later this year, will deliver a multi-platform media player using RealPlayer® streaming media technology. AOL and RealNetworks are currently working together to use RealSystem 8 in the webcast of the popular Big Brother television show.
RealNetworks' high-quality audio and video technology will enable AOL to work with its many content partners to provide both AOL members and Internet users with an enhanced and more compelling interactive narrowband and broadband experience.
"We are pleased to work with RealNetworks to deliver a seamless, high-quality streaming digital media experience to our members," said Barry Schuler, President, AOL Interactive Services. "Our goal has always been to provide our members and users of our web-based brands with the best possible interactive experience, and our new agreement with RealNetworks will help us do just that."
"With AOL's more than 23 million members and outstanding content base, working closely with AOL is a fantastic opportunity for RealNetworks," said Rob Glaser, founder and CEO, RealNetworks. "Through this agreement we have not only enabled the largest single Internet population in the world to experience the compelling audio and VHS video quality of RealSystem 8, but we have also made fundamental and substantial progress towards realizing our vision of the Internet as the next mass medium."
Under the agreement, RealPlayer will be distributed with the Netscape browser and through Netcenter. RealNetworks will distribute Spinner, the free Web radio player based on RealPlayer technology, as well as bundling software with its RealPlayer that enables users to easily sign up for the AOL service.
Why Use streaming Media
-Complex ideas easier to convey through more
personal, natural communication
-Improves content retention
*20% of what we see
*50% of what we see and hear
*80% of what we see, hear and do simultaneously
(University of Delaware ,Instructional Technology Report)
Effects of streaming media on Internet Sites
Increases traffic
Increases length of stay
Increases sales.
(According to RealNetworks data)
RealNetworks has the Largest Audience
More than 115 Million registered users of the RealPlayer®RealSystem
More than 175,000 RealPlayers are downloaded each day from www.real.com
More than 85% of Internet Web Sites with streaming media use RealAudio®, RealVideo® and/or RealFlash™, RealPix™ and RealText™
More than 300,000 hours of live content for RealAudio and RealVideo produced per week.
320,000 Web sites are streaming audio and video content with RealNetworks products
Major Media Companies and Leading Broadcasters Choose RealNetworks
More than 1,750 live radio stations broadcast over the Internet using RealAudio
More than 100 live TV stations broadcast over the Internet using RealVideo
Every major recording company in the U.S. and more than 500 independent label use the RealSystem.
RealNetworks Internet Solution customers include: ABC News, Bloomberg, Broadcast.com, CBS SportsLine, CNET Radio, Comedy Central, ESPN SportsZone, Fox News, History Channel, Michigan State University, National Public Radio, PC Week, TV Guide, The Weather Channel, The Wall Street Journal, World Business Review, Warner Bros., Sony, MGM, Universal Studios, Ziff-Davis, and thousands more.
IS THERE A SAMSUNG MXP SPORT IN EDIG'S FUTURE?
Samsung to Build New AOL TV Boxes
By Roy Mark
AOL Time Warner (NYSE:AOL) has again demonstrated its power to leverage its vast online and offline inventory of brands in a new deal with Samsung Electronics. The companies plan to collaborate on a next generation AOLTV set-top box that includes adding a recording capability through the TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) service, in which AOL owns a 15 percent stake, and will allow users to access AOL features like instant messaging, e-mail, and web browsing from anywhere they watch TV. In addition the companies plan a joint exploration of digital convergence product areas such as wireless, Web terminal, and email printers.
The terms of the new agreement also call for a variety of marketing and technology initiatives designed to enhance the Samsung brand through promotions across many of AOL Time Warner's print, TV, and online brands. Terms of the marketing agreement were not disclosed, but AOL Time Warner intends to promote Samsung DVD players in People, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated magazines, the AOL service and Moviefone.com. The companies will also feature Samsung's forthcoming PDA mobile phone through an integrated marketing campaign.
Other programs include a promotion of Samsung's HDTV across print, online and TV, and a "Countdown to the Olympics" contest in which AOL members can register to win Samsung prizes, as well as learn more about the winter games in the months leading up to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
"We're looking forward to collaborating with AOL Time Warnerto provide consumers with total entertainment and communications solutions, as well as new digital experiences that will lead the digital convergence era," said Eric Kim, executive vice president of the Korean-based Samsung Electronics. "AOL Time Warner is the perfect choice to help meet our marketing needs across all forms of media as we continue to bring innovative products to consumers around the world."
With year 2000 sales of $27 billion, Samsung Electronics employs approximately 66,000 people in 46 countries. The company is the world's largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones and monitors and the sixth-largest manufacturer of mobile phones. AOL Time Warner's far flung businesses include interactive services, cable systems, publishing, music, networks and filmed entertainment.
July 17, 2001
AOL, Samsung Strike Technology, Marketing Deal
By Christopher Saunders
AOL Time Warner continues trading advertising for technology, this time through an agreement that calls for Korean electronics giant Samsung to manufacture new consumer products, including an enhanced version of AOL's interactive TV platform.
The multi-year agreement calls for the New York-based media giant to provide Seoul's Samsung with marketing and advertising throughout its host of online and offline properties.
Specifically, AOL Time Warner said it would promote Samsung DVD players through print outlets, including People, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated magazines, as well as through its online properties America Online and Moviefone.com. Similarly, ads for Samsung's high-definition TV products and upcoming combined PDA and mobile phone will appear across AOL's television, print and online channels.
Closer to the 2002 Winter Games, AOL will be promoting a special contest, "Countdown to the Olympics," to subscribers of its America Online service; Samsung will provide the prizes and receive marketing throughout the service in conjunction with the giveaway.
In return for all of this promotion -- on which AOL did not put a dollar figure -- executives expect Samsung to help AOL roll out a new version of its interactive TV set-top box, which will incorporate the TiVo digital video recording service.
AOL has been wanting to provide digital recording since the middle of last year. Last June, it signed an agreement with San Jose, Calif.-based TiVo to provide its Personal TV recording service to AOLTV subscribers. But to roll out a TiVo-enhanced AOLTV box, AOL needed a manufacturing partner.
"We're pleased to announce this relationship with Samsung, one of the world's premier consumer electronics manufacturers," said AOLTV president Robert Friedman. "This agreement is another example of AOL Time Warner's unparalleled ability to use the combined strengths of our online, print and broadcast brands to help drive growth for our business partners, and ultimately offer increased value to consumers."
The co-branded product will combine the ability to record live TV with existing AOLTV features -- instant messaging, e-mail, and Web browsing -- likely strengthening the consumer appeal of the media giant's iTV service, an important cornerstone of its "AOL Anywhere" multi-platform strategy.
But the agreement likely won't end with AOLTV. The deal also allows for AOL to roll out future co-branded consumer electronics that Samsung would manufacture -- including wireless devices, Web terminals and e-mail printers.
"We're looking forward to collaborating with AOL Time Warner, the world's best online and offline media company, to provide consumers with total entertainment and communications solutions, as well as new digital experiences that will lead the digital convergence era," said Samsung executive vice president Eric Kim.
AOL Time Warner invests in SkyStream
2/26/2001 SkyStream Networks, a leading provider of converged broadband networking solutions, today announced it has closed a $44 million fourth round of funding from several prestigious Silicon Valley venture firms (VCs) and strategic corporate investors. The investment from leading venture firms such as Amerindo Investment Advisors, Crosslink Capital, IVP, Integral Capital Partners, Mayfield, Norwest Venture Partners and WestBridge Ventures, as well as AOL Time Warner Investments and Shaw Ventures, Shaw Communication's investment division, signifies their endorsement of the company's vision to develop technologies that will break through the limitations of today's networks to connect consumers and enterprises to the richest available information and entertainment content.
SkyStream Networks provides networking hardware and software that boosts the performance and improves the quality of multimedia-rich content integrating broadcast technologies into broadband networks. SkyStream will use the funds to fuel its rapid growth and enhance its networking hardware platforms, including its award-winning Source Media Router(TM) family, and its recently introduced zBand(TM) Internet Content Distribution Software. SkyStream will also educate the cable, telecommunications and satellite service providers about the benefits of next-generation content distribution, including the use of hybrid broadcast and land-based networks for more efficient distribution of the type of media-rich content that consumers and businesses are demanding today.
"SkyStream's vision of enhancing broadband services through a robust network infrastructure is important to the integration of the Internet, traditional broadcast, and digital cable network services," said Richard Bressler, chief executive officer of AOL Time Warner Investments.
"SkyStream Networks has an opportunity to change how rich digital content is delivered over today's broadband networks -- and that translates into a potentially very large market opportunity," said Roger McNamee, co-founder and general partner of Integral Capital Partners, lead investor in this current round. "We believe that SkyStream's networking technologies will create a better Internet experience for end users and businesses around the globe."
"SkyStream's initiative for integrating satellite and broadband technologies to deliver mass quantities of rich content will change the way we use the Internet of the future," said Steve Strandberg, managing director, WestBridge Ventures. "Of the leading players in the burgeoning content networking field, SkyStream Networks has aggressively positioned itself as a technically innovative company with an impressive line-up of customers and partners."
"Ensuring that today's telecom, digital cable and satellite service providers understand the real customer benefits of tapping into a hybrid networking solution will be key to our success. Our job is to help them deliver the richest, most complex content to millions of users anytime, anywhere, over any network," said Jim Olson, president and CEO of SkyStream. "Our investors represent a powerful force within the technology and cable broadcast arena."
This financing round of $44 million increases the total investment by the venture and corporate community to more than $70 million in SkyStream. Participants in the previous rounds, IVP, Mayfield, and Norwest Venture Partners, all increased their investment in this round.
"Norwest has experienced great success by investing in such networking infrastructure companies as CoSine Communications, Cerent Corporation (acquired by Cisco Systems), Siara Systems (acquired by Redback Networks), and Broadband Access Systems (acquired by ADC). We've seen how one company can fundamentally change the landscape of the broadband industry. SkyStream joins this elite group, and our additional investment this round underscores our belief in both its team and their technology," said Promod Haque, managing partner of Norwest Venture Partners.
About SkyStream Networks
SkyStream Networks is a worldwide network infrastructure company that enables service providers and broadcasters to create new revenue streams by delivering digital media services like TV-quality Internet video over any network, including satellite, digital television, traditional broadband or digital cable. SkyStream's products intelligently connect networks of satellite providers, cable providers and television broadcasters with those of traditional Internet bandwidth owners of fiber and ATM networks, improving network performance and enabling the personalized delivery of rich media content. SkyStream's customers are leading satellite, content distribution, Internet and cable services providers around the world, including EchoStar Communications Corporation, iBEAM, iBLAST, Granite Broadcasting, Loral CyberStar, Microsoft TV, Pacific Convergence Corporation and Telefonica. SkyStream Networks' website can be found on the Internet at http://www.skystream.com.
Zenith Digital Expected to Dominate CES; Company Focuses on HDTV Leadership [zenith now a part of LG]
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting the industry's most aggressive approach to digital television (DTV), Zenith Electronics Corporation this week will unveil its 2002 product line -- comprising more than 75 percent digital products, including a broadened family of plasma and LCD screens and an attractively priced series of integrated direct-view flat-screen HDTV models designed to help accelerate the DTV transition.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19981120/CGF017 )
Building on its 2001 transformation into a digital leader, Zenith is making a bold digital statement at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show, which begins here Tuesday, with a comprehensive family of digital television products, from big to small, flat to thin.
Zenith's CES booth (2027) is driving home its 2002 marketing theme, ``Digitize the Experience,'' showcasing the company's new widescreen plasma display panels (PDPs), expanded line-up of liquid crystal display (LCD) digital TV monitors, and products intended to make HDTV more widely available to American consumers, according to Ken Lee, Zenith senior vice president, sales & marketing.
``The new products reflect the powerful combination of Zenith's long-time leadership in HDTV and the display and digital technologies of our parent company, LG Electronics,'' he said on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show. (MORE)
Lee highlighted Zenith's 2002 digital product line, which doubles the number of PDPs, adding new 50- and 42-inch widescreen models to its popular 60- and 40-inch hang-on-the-wall displays. In LCD TVs, Zenith is significantly expanding its line to include a new widescreen 30-inch HDTV monitor as well as new 10-,- 15- and 20-inch digital TV monitor models. A dozen rear-projection HDTVs and HDTV monitors include two new LCD rear-projection sets for 2002: 60- and 52-inch widescreen HDTV displays.
To help drive the digital TV transition, Zenith is introducing a series of flat-screen CRT integrated HDTVs. The 34-inch 16:9 widescreen model and the 36- and 32-inch 4:3 models incorporate next-generation VSB reception capability and are priced in about the same range as comparably sized HDTV monitors (without DTV tuners). Zenith, which earned Emmy awards for its flat CRT and HDTV technologies, also is offering six direct-view HDTV monitors in the 36-, 32- and 27-inch screen sizes.
``As a long-time leader in HDTV technologies, Zenith is gratified to see the current DTV momentum,'' Lee said. ``With more and more digital TV stations on the air, growing amounts of programming and increasing sales of DTV products, the stage is set for 2002 to be a critical year in the U.S. DTV transition.
``For DTV to truly be successful, however, all industries need to do their part. Broadcasters need to provide more compelling HDTV content to help drive the transition. The cable industry should agree to carry broadcasters' HDTV programs,'' said Lee.
``As manufacturers,'' he added, ``our responsibility to the digital broadcasting transition is to make HDTV technology more widely available, simple to use and affordable. To achieve this goal, Zenith is committed to building ATSC reception into more TV sets, like our new series of direct0view HDTVs, and we hope others will follow our lead. In the end, the big winner will be the consumer.''
Rounding out the Zenith digital product line -- all told, more than 50 models -- are six front-projection HDTV displays (three CRT-based and three LCD-based projectors), an expanded line of DVD players (including progressive scan models with DVD Audio and a combination DVD-VCR), MP3 players and digital HDTV set-top boxes (including Zenith's award-winning ATSC/DirecTV digital receiver).
Zenith Electronics Corporation, founded in 1918, is a leader in digital television technologies and inventor of the U.S. digital HDTV transmission system adopted by the FCC. Zenith's Emmy award winning technologies include digital HDTV, flat-screen CRTs, stereo television and TV remote controls. For 2002, Zenith is capitalizing on its digital HDTV leadership and on the extensive technologies and resources of its parent company, LG Electronics Inc. (LGE). (Zenith merged with LGE. in November 1999.) Zenith's corporate headquarters are in Lincolnshire, Ill. Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.zenith.com .
SOURCE: Zenith Eletronics Corporation
Pace Micro Technology
This UK company is a manufacturer of Set-top Boxes including the Sky Series 2200. Pace Micro made its name building analog satellite receivers and decoders, and contributed its products to the launches of the British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) and ONDigital satellite TV services. Other customers include BellSouth, Cable & Wireless, and CANAL+. The company has development deals with LG Group and Toshiba for interactive digital television (IDTV) products, and with Cisco to deliver products for integrated IDTV, Internet, and phone services. The UK accounts for 65% of Pace Micro's sales. They've merged with Cisco Systems Inc.
http://www.pace.co.uk
reminder--Agere rolls out broadband satellite radio chip set, ships to seven receiver makers
ICs target U.S. automotive listeners using 100 channels in Sirius' subscription digital radio service
Semiconductor Business News
(06/25/01 10:09 a.m. EST)
ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Agere Systems Inc. here today announced technical details and the first samples of broadband receiver chip sets for a planned satellite digital audio radio service in North America.
The eight-chip set is being initially aimed at U.S. automotive applications after three years of joint development by Agere (formerly Lucent Microelectronics) and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. New York-based Sirius plans to start up its subscription-based satellite radio services by the end of 2001 with up to 100 channels of audio entertainment programming.
Agere said it has begun shipping engineering samples of the complex chip set to seven consumer electronics manufacturers: Alpine, Clarion, Delphi Delco, Jensen, Kenwood, Panasonic, and Visteon. Volume production of the satellite radio receiver chips is scheduled to begin early this fall, using 0.25-micron CMOS and BiCMOS processes at a joint-venture foundry fab operated by Agere and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.
"Our approach has been to use a true broadband receiver architecture," said Rob Franzo, director of Agere's automotive products group--which is part of the companies new business initiative. "While some might say it shouldn't take this number of [eight] devices, it was done to validate the system and make sure there were no compromises." The architecture is also set up to enable rapid integration of the set in the near future with the baseband portion of the receiver being packed on a single IC.
But first, the development project focused on providing highly reliable and clear reception of the satellite broadcasts oin moving vehicles, using the 12.5-MHz spectrum licensed by Sirius for radio service across the entire country. To do this, the system uses and processes three signals simultaneously. The design combined the use of coded orthogonal-frequency division multiplexed (COFDM) for signals broadcast from ground atennas, and two time-division multiplexed quadrature phase shift keyed (TDM-QPSK) bands for reception from signals sent from three satellites.
"The system transmit signal in frequency time space and modulation diversity, which results in very good performance against blockage and fading," explained Franzo, referring to the difficulties of maintaining high-quality digital audio in moving vehicles across the entire United States.
"No information is destroyed or thrown away in the channel until it reaches the concatenated decoder chain," he said, explaining the broadband receiver architecture. "That provides a lot of flexibility in terms of the roadmap [for integration of the chip set and future design iterations] for our products following this initial one."
Agere is not releasing pricing information on the current eight-chip set designs. The radio receiver manufacturers license the technology from Sirius, which includes the chip set into the package as part of its efforts to launch the satellite radio service.
While subscription-based nationwide radio is a new concept, the market potential is huge, according to Agere and its partner Sirius. In the United States there are more than 200 vehicles traveling on roads, and Sirius hopes to entice listeners with 50 channels of commercial-free music and 50 channels of news, sports, talk, comedy, and children's programming.
The idea is to give travelers on the highway something to listen to other than the same old set of CDs or local radio programs, Franzo said.
To deliver high-quality digital audio, the Agere chip set first processes three including sets of signals that contain the same information (two being time-division multiplexed from the satellites, and the other frequency-division multiplexed from the terrestrial antennas). The TDM and COFDM signals are processed and filters by radio frequency (RF) and intermediate frequency (IF) chips to an IF output of 75 MHz. An analog-to-digital converter undersamples the 75-MHz IF to 60 megasamples for a digital image with 15 MHz of bandwidth of encoded signals (two TDM and one COFDM).
The signals are then digitally filtered and demodulated before being combined into for 100 channels of radio signals by a maximum ratio combiner. A concatenated decoder chain IC is used to select a specific channel for playing through a digital audio processor--which contains an Agere 1600 digital signal processor (DSP) core and an ARM RISC processor. In addition to the eight ICs in the chip set, the radio receiver will use DRAM, SRAM and flash memory chips.
Agere is not announcing a product roadmap at this time, but Franzo said it was possible to integrate an entire baseband receiver on a chip using finer process geometries in the next 16 to 18 months.
Actel says flash-based FPGAs break 1-million gate barrier
Semiconductor Business News
(01/07/02 10:26 a.m. EST)
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Actel Corp. today announced it has broken the 1-million gate barrier in flash-based field-programmable gate arrays with the introduction of a 0.22-micron FPGA series that will initially contain six devices.
The new ProASIC Plus second-generation family of flash-based nonvolatile FPGAs will offer chip densities of 150,000-to-1 million "system gates," said Actel. The new series combines a fine-grain ASIC-like architecture with nonvolatile flash-configured logic, making the programmable chips a viable alternative for custom and semicustom application-specific ICs, according to the Sunnyvale company.
"A huge market opportunity exists for Actel to directly address those FPGA and ASIC designers looking for the density range, flexibility, ASIC-like design methodology and non-volatility they require," said Barry Marsh, vice president of product marketing at Actel. He said the new ProASIC Plus series also offer design security features that will protect intellectual property in applications.
The ProASIC Plus FPGAs are user programmed with a multi-bit key that blocks external attempts to read or alter the configuration settings, Actel said. Decapping and stripping of the ProASIC Plus device reveals only the structure of the flash cell, not the contents, the company said.
New features in the ProASIC Plus series include multiple phase-locked loops (PLLs), support for up to 198 kilobits of two-port embedded SRAM and 712 user-configurable I/Os, and improved in-system programmability. The ProASIC Plus programmable parts can support system speeds of up to100 MHz and interface between 3.3- and 2.5-V devices in mixed-voltage environments, Actel said
The first members in the ProASIC Plus family, the APA750 and APA1000, offer 750,000- and 1-million system gates, respectively. These chips are now available as engineering samples, with production scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2002. Pricing for the 750,000- and 1-million gate devices begins at $199 and $399 each in volume quantities, respectively.
Actel said the rest of the new series is expected to be available for sampling by the second quarter with pricing targeted at $20 for the smallest devices.
Pace Micro Technology plc is solely focused on the design, manufacture and distribution of digital receivers and decoders for the reception of digital satellite, cable and terrestrial television. As Europe's largest manufacturer of satellite receivers, Pace has manufactured over 2 million digital receivers for broadcasters worldwide. Pace exports over 50 percent of output and has been honoured with The Queens Award for Export for 1998.
Pace are the only manufacturer to be supplying digital receivers for all three digital platforms in the UK. Pace was the first manufacturer to provide digital satellite receivers to BSkyB for its launch of digital satellite in the UK. Pace was also among the first to manufacture receivers for ONdigital. With contracts to manufacture advanced digital cable set-top boxes for two of the UK's three major cable operators, Cable and Wireless Communications and NTL. Through co-operative development with LG, Pace is the first set top box manufacturer to tailor set top box technology for integration into integrated digital televisions (iDTV) supporting BSkyB and ONDigital services. Pace are also developing iDTV with Toshiba.
Pace has also entered into an alliance with Cisco Systems Inc. the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, to develop a new generation of multimedia set-top boxes that will deliver integrated cable-based digital TV, Internet data and telephony services. Pace and Cisco also provided the first UK demonstration of high speed Internet Protocol (IP) - based communication functionality over a consumer set-top box. Pace has a significant agreement with WebTV, the world leader in Internet television technology, to licence its open-architecture technology and develop a television set-top Internet browser.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++08.05.2000 Pace and Microsoft
Pace Micro Technology plc.announced what they described as a "far-reaching memorandum of understanding" under which they plan to cooperate closely in developing a wide range of applications and technologies in digital television, including Microsoft's adoption of Pace's digital set-top box technology as a core reference platform for digital television applications.
The two companies also intend to cooperate on the development and integration of new products and applications that can be delivered via a digital set-top box, such as home gateway technologies (always-on Internet access), PDA (personal digital assistant)-style home shopping devices, and voice over IP (Internet protocol).
More good news for Pace came with the announcement of its long-term contract with Time Warner Cable for a minimum order of 750,000 digital set-top boxes over the next three years. The first shipment of the Time Warner boxes is expected at the end of 2000. Pace says that these devices will enable more than 150 channels of analog and digital television, as well as digital interactive services such as video on demand.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
29.10.99 Pace Deals in Wireless Technology
Pace's marketing director, Andrew Wallace, has announced that Pace has joined forces with a consortium of companies including US networking group, CISCO to develop an open standard for the delivery of digital television, high speed internet access and other broadband services, using wireless technology. He said that costs could significantly be reduced by the development of an open standard for wireless access to the home, which could be used in areas where it was not cost-effective to lay fixed cables. The group believe they can offer wireless access at a price which is competitive with fixed cable networks or telephone lines using digital subscriber line technology.
The CISCO consortium includes technology and service companies Motorola, Samsung, Texas, Bechtel Communications and KPMG Consulting. Malcolm Miller, Pace chief executive, said that Pace's boxes could provide a gateway for the delivery of many interactive home services. Shares in Pace rose by more than 15 per cent to a new high on the news.
Pace and InterTrust Join Forces to Offer Broadband Operators DRM-Enabled IPTV Home Gateways
Alliance brings DRM-enabled end-to-end IPTV solutions to the Living Room
CAMBRIDGE, UK and SANTA CLARA, CA, November 28, 2001 - Pace Micro Technology plc, the world's largest dedicated developer of digital home gateways (set-top boxes), and InterTrust Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ITRU), provider of the leading trusted Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology, today announced their alliance to offer DRM-enabled digital set-top boxes to broadband IP operators. The alliance combines Pace's expertise in developing cost-effective, high-power home gateways with InterTrust's cutting edge, next-generation digital rights management platform, Rights/System.
Pace joins InterTrust's Rights/Alliance program, along with recently announced solution partners Artesia, nCUBE, Portal Software, SkyStream, Envivio, and primary platform provider, Sun Microsystems. The Rights/Alliance program provides pre-integrated, non-exclusive solutions that benefit service providers and network operators by:
accelerating time to market
reducing their technology risk
generating revenue from digital assets quickly and
protecting those assets with advanced DRM.
The first instantiation of the alliance program is a pre-integrated, video on demand (VOD) collaboration and Pace set-top boxes add an essential component of the solution.
Pace is the world leader in the development and supply of IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) home gateways for the delivery of new digital entertainment and communications services over broadband IP networks. The company's successful fourth generation IPTV set-top box, the DSL4000, is a highly sophisticated and reliable product that has been deployed with over 120 customers and partners globally, including the world's largest commercial IPTV systems.
Pace's recently announced IP500 family of products has been developed to allow operators to reach more customers through the support for MPEG-4 and other low bit-rate decoding, and to provide more revenue opportunities to operators through support for more services. InterTrust adds to the expanding range of security options available for Pace's home gateway products.
InterTrust's Rights/System integrates easily with existing e-commerce and subscription management infrastructure. Using a single-server architecture, Rights/System supports a variety of business models, platforms, and devices, so service providers can deliver secure content on a broad range of devices and consumers can get the content they want via any delivery method. The InterTrust Rights/TV client is ideally suited for numerous set-top box environments including the DSL4000and the IP500 family.
"We believe the Rights/Alliance program will help accelerate the adoption of our products by broadband operators," said Andrew Clifforth, Managing Director Pace's IPTV Division. "By offering InterTrust DRM on our advanced IPTV home gateways, operators can confidently provide secure entertainment and commerce services. The multi-platform and open standards nature of InterTrust's Rights/System was an important factor in our decision."
"The Pace/InterTrust solution delivers a client platform that underpins a powerful new entertainment experience in the living room," said Talal Shamoon, InterTrust EVP Business Development. "We're pleased to join forces with a partner who helps us develop end-to-end solutions for service and content providers aimed at generating revenue from a rich content experience."
About InterTrust Technologies Corporation
Over the past eleven years, InterTrust has invented and defined key elements of Digital Rights Management technologies. As the first company to devise a digital commerce network, the MetaTrust Utility, to help other businesses manage and protect their proprietary data, InterTrust acts as a neutral third party to ensure security and interoperability over the Internet and other electronic devices.
InterTrust's more than 40 licensees and partners include Adobe, AOL/TimeWarner, Blockbuster, BMG Entertainment, Cirrus, Compaq, Digital World Services, Enron, Magex, Mitsubishi, Nokia, Philips, Samsung, Texas Instruments, Universal Music Group, and Wave Systems. InterTrust's pioneering role in DRM and trusted computing is underscored by 22 U.S. patents and nearly 90 patents pending worldwide.
About Pace Micro Technology plc
Pace Micro Technology plc is a pioneer of digital technology for the home and has helped build the global market for pay television services. Using this expertise, Pace is evolving the set-top box into a home gateway to enable sophisticated services for TV and the networked home. In this networked home, the Pace home gateway is the portal for interactive communications, for consumer devices and services to interact with each other and the outside world.
Pace was the largest European supplier of home gateways (set-top boxes) during 2000. Its analogue and digital technology has been installed in over thirteen million homes worldwide since it was founded in 1982. The company is now actively involved in all digital platforms - satellite, terrestrial, cable, wireless and xDSL - through alliances with broadcasters, network operators and technology partners in the UK, USA, Europe, Latin America, Australasia and the Far East. These achievements were made possible through the commitment of Pace's 1000 strong workforce, over half of whom are research and development engineers, dedicated to the development of digital technology for the home and small and home office markets.
Pace's head office is in Shipley West Yorkshire, with further offices in Bracknell, Cambridge, France, the USA and Hong Kong. The company's shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange (PIC). For further information, please visit Pace's web site at http://www.pace.co.uk.
Pace picks Equator silicon for gateways
Pace Micro Technology plc has selected Equator Technologies Inc.’s “MAP-CA” chip for the set-top maker’s forthcoming line of home gateways.
Pace added that it would use the programmable silicon to foster advanced multimedia functions such as video streaming, video-on-demand, electronic program guides and personal video recording. Further, Equator will also supply Pace with a new version of its “iMMediaTools” software development kit, which is designed to shorten the gateway’s design cycle.
Olivier Schiffmann, Equator’s director of marketing, said the deal involves silicon for Pace’s IP-based boxes, which are being outfitted for both cable- and DSL-based networks. He declined to divulge the financial terms of the deal, but said Pace has ordered the MAP-CA in “high volume.”
Equator’s MAP-CA processes data at 30 billion operations per second and takes a programmable software approach to update its silicon through software downloads as new MPEG standards and other codecs emerge.
Equator unveiled the MAP-CA line in March of this year, offering chips that operate at four speeds ranging from 256 megahertz to 297 MHz.
Equator Senior Manager of Technical Marketing Chris Basoglu said Pace will initially use the 283 MHz version of the MAP-CA. Depending on the processor's firepower and the volume of chips ordered, the MAP-CA is priced at $40 to $100 apiece.
A deal with a large set-top vendor such as Pace will help Equator remain competitive with a spate of well-heeled rivals such as Broadcom Corp., Conexant Systems Inc., Philips Semiconductors and LSI Logic Corp., which acquired C-Cube
Microsystems Inc. earlier this year. In previous deals, Acer, Samsung and Xerox have also agreed to use Equator’s MAP-CA silicon.
JENSEN to Take Sirius Steps in Introducing Portable Satellite Radio Boom Box in Late `02
SRB2003 to Be JENSEN'S Inaugural Sirius-enabled Boom Box
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2002--Proving that Sirius Satellite Radio® is truly a mobile, rather than strictly a ``car'' technology, JENSEN today announced that it will introduce a portable, Sirius-enabled ``boom box '' radio later this year.
Though final specifications have yet to be determined, Dale DiBernardo, Senior Program Manager, Recoton Mobile Electronics, noted that JENSEN's upcoming Model SRB2003 boom box will be a full featured, stereo system.
``Satellite radio is the most highly anticipated consumer electronics product introduction since the DVD player, and its appeal extends far beyond the automotive environment,'' said DiBernardo.
``When end-users become accustomed to receiving 100 channels of their favorite entertainment in full digital audio, they will start to look for Sirius systems in portable equipment they can enjoy at home, parties, work, and more.
``We decided to take an aggressive approach by planning ahead for a boom box that delivers great sound no matter where it's taken, and with a price tag that belies its feature set.''
Scheduled to appear on retailers' shelves in time for the 2002 holiday selling season, the SRB2003 boom box (SRP: TBD) will incorporate the Sirius chip set and antenna, along with an AM/FM tuner and a CD section that will play MP3 files, CD-R's, and conventional discs.
Added DiBernardo: ``The SRB2003 will be part of JENSEN's second phase of Sirius products, following the automotive and marine products being featured here at CES. If end-user and retailer reactions are as strong as we expect, I'm sure you'll see many more Sirius-enabled JENSEN products in the near future.''
JENSEN® is a brand name of Recoton Corporation, a subsidiary of Recoton Corporation. Recoton Corporation is a global leader in the development and marketing of consumer electronic accessories, audio products and gaming products. Recoton's more than 4,000 products include highly functional accessories for audio, video, car audio, camcorder, multi-media/computer, home office and cellular and standard telephone products, as well as 900MHz wireless technology products including headphones and speakers; loudspeakers and car and marine audio products including high fidelity loudspeakers, home theater speakers and car audio speakers and components; and accessories for video and computer games The Company products are marketed under three business segments: Accessory, Audio and Gaming. Accessory products are offered under the AAMP®, Ambico®, Ampersand®, AR® Acoustic Research®, Discwasher®, InterAct® Jensen®, Parsec®, Peripheral®, Recoton®, Rembrandt®, Ross(TM) ,SoleControl®, SoundQuest and Stinger brand names. Audio products are offered under the Advent®, AR®/Acoustic Research®, HECO(TM), Jensen®, MacAudio®, Magnat®, NHT® (Now Hear This), Phase Linear® and Recoton®, brand names. Gaming products are offered under the Game Shark®, InterAct® and Performance(TM) brand names.
Safe Harbor Notice - This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of l995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. Such statements speak only as of the date made. Please refer to the Company's current Form 10-K and other SEC filings.
Editors' Note: For product images and loans, contact Adam Sohmer, Magnet Communications, 212/367-6812, asohmer@magnetcom.com, or Jennifer Ryan, Magnet Communications, 212/367-6837, jryan@magnetcom.com Images may also be downloaded from: http://www.recotonimages.com/part.asp. Enter the product model number to search the database.
Samsung, Octal Co-Develop TV Box on MS TV Platform
Samsung and Octal have signed an agreement to jointly develop advanced digital set-top boxes based on Microsoft TV middleware. The two sides have also agreed to expand their partnership in related business areas in the future.
The two companies will co-develop necessary hardware and software, and jointly market the products co-developed under this agreement to satellite, terrestrial and cable TV companies around the world.
The STB5005C will become one of the first commercialized digital cable set-top boxes to use the Microsoft TV Advanced Digital Platform. It will be able to receive and record interactive digital video broadcasts (free-to-air, PPV, IPPV), support broadband Internet access, audio/video on demand, email, chatting, home shopping, home banking, networked games, integrated Web DVD/CD player and other digital media services.
Microsoft TV Platform is an enhanced TV software solution that includes client software for set-top boxes as well as server software for a network operator headend. The Microsoft platform delivers broad support for international standards (HTML 4.0, DHTML, XML, ATVEF, NTSC, PAL, HDTV, ATSC, DVB, OpenCable, ARIB).
Samsung and Octal expect to start worldwide commercialization of the digital set-top boxes in March this year and will initially supply them under an initial US$30 million contract via Octal to Portugal's TV Cabo.
(February 2001 Issue, Nikkei Electronics Asia
Nokia sets up STB joint venture in China
BEIJING - Nokia (China) Investment Co Ltd has formed a joint venture with two Chinese firms to make set-top-box (STB) products in the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone. The venture, Nokia-Citic Digital Technology Co Ltd, involves investment of $29.9 million and will start operations this year. Major products will include satellite TV STBs, cable TV STBs, terrestrial TV STBs and network STBs. The digital TV and cable TV STB products enable ordinary TV sets to receive digital TV programs and the network STB will make interactive entertainment, education and business activities possible on ordinary TV sets.
SIGMA MPEG-2 SILICON FEATURED IN NEW SERIES OF CONVERGENCE SET-TOP BOXES BY SAMSUNG AND OCTAL
Based on Microsoft TV Advanced Digital Platform These New Products Offer Video-on-Demand and DVD Playback as well as digital TV broadcast.
Milpitas, CA May 16, 2001 - Sigma Designs (NASDAQ: SIGM), a leader in MPEG decoding solutions, announced today that its EM8400 MPEG-2 decoder solution has been incorporated into a new series of advanced digital set-top boxes being co-developed by Samsung Electronics and Octal. These set-top boxes are targeted for broad deployment starting this year into European DVB, North American Cable, and Asian markets.
This new platform is a significant offering, representing a combination of Samsung's global leadership in electronics and Octal's technology for set top boxes based on the Microsoft TV platform. The two companies are co-developing the necessary hardware and software as well as jointly marketing the products to cable, satellite, and terrestrial broadcast companies around the world. As one of the first commercialized digital cable set-top boxes to use the Microsoft TV Advanced Digital Platform, these products will be capable of receiving digital video broadcasts, broadband internet access, video on demand, integrated WEB DVD player, and other digital media services.
"Ensuring very high quality video output was one of our top goals for this set-top box," stated Dr. Hee-Won Park, Senior Manager of Set-top Box Development for Samsung. "Sigma's EM8400 silicon solution delivers this level of quality for streaming video on demand and DVD playback."
"This is the future of TV, and we are proud to be a part of it," said Nuno Duarte, managing director of OCTALTV. "With the EM8400 MPEG decoder and software drivers from Sigma, our digital set-top box uses a proven quality solution for video on demand and DVD playback."
"This selection by Samsung and Octal represents a significant design win for Sigma," stated Ken Lowe, Sigma's Vice President of Business Development, "Our EM8400 is being used to deliver video on demand and DVD playback on a new flagship product, being offered by leading manufacturers for worldwide consumption. This is a strong indication of acceptance of our REALmagicTM Video Streaming Technology, which is at the core of all of our silicon solutions."
About Sigma Designs, Inc.
Sigma Designs specializes in silicon-based MPEG decoding for streaming video, progressive DVD playback, and advanced digital set-top boxes. The company's award-winning REALmagic® Video Streaming Technology is used in both commercial and consumer applications providing highly integrated solutions for high-quality decoding of MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Headquartered in Milpitas, California, the company also has sales offices in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.sigmadesigns.com.
INTERTRUST AND DATAPLAY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR PROTECTING PORTABLE MEDIA
DataPlay digital media and Rights/System's powerful new media platform poised to replace the compact disc
August 6, 2001 - SANTA CLARA, Ca., and BOULDER, Colo. - InterTrust Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ITRU), provider of the leading trusted Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology, and DataPlay, Inc., developer of the universal media format for all things digital, today announced a strategic relationship to create a portable media distribution platform for protected content such as music. Universal Music Group, EMI Recorded Music and BMG Entertainment are all planning to release pre-recorded music on DataPlay digital media for use in multiple consumer electronic devices.
InterTrust and DataPlay will create a format for DRM-based content storage on DataPlay digital media. Consumer electronics manufacturers, including Samsung, Toshiba and SONICblue (makers of the Diamond Rio), which are developing DataPlay-enabled devices, will also be able to license the format. InterTrust's recently announced Rights/System provides a secure environment for music with a transparent user experience. Users can play their InterTrust-protected content in any DataPlay-enabled device. Users will also have the ability to move the content to their desktop computers and portable devices. For content providers and consumers, this seamlessly integrates content purchased online and content bought on DataPlay digital media.
"A standard for protected portable media is essential to create the CD's successor," said Talal Shamoon, EVP business development, InterTrust. "InterTrust believes that DataPlay's position with 3 of the 5 major labels and its cutting edge format delivers a compelling consumer entertainment experience. A ubiquitous protected format beyond the CD is the only way to conclusively halt music piracy, while giving consumers the rich experience they want."
"DataPlay's partnership with InterTrust reinforces its mission to provide a new media format for consumers that maintains security and control for the distribution of electronic content," said Todd Oseth, senior vice president of corporate development from DataPlay. "The scalability and flexibility of Intertrust's platform allow us to easily integrate the DataPlay solution with any content, device or distribution method."
"We are pleased to see InterTrust and DataPlay working together to create a flexible specification for delivering our artists' music and enhanced content," said Albhy Galuten, Sr. Vice President, Advanced Technology, Universal Music Group's eLabs. "Combining DataPlay's new digital media format with InterTrust's DRM technology will give consumers the flexibility and convenience they want."
To support the DataPlay platform, InterTrust developed a special version of its technology for portable devices, Rights/PD, and a dedicated 'packager' that places the content in a secure format. InterTrust is also adapting its PC plug-in for music players, to enable playing and importing content from DataPlay digital media, as well as the activation of additional content that resides securely on the digital media - a unique Dataplay feature. InterTrust's Rights/System servers complete the infrastructure and allow retailers and distributors to activate content on the digital media and send protected content to consumers in a user-friendly fashion.
About InterTrust Technologies Corporation
Over the past eleven years, InterTrust has dramatically changed the landscape and importance of DRM. As the first company to devise a digital commerce network, the MetaTrust Utility, to help other businesses manage and protect their proprietary data, InterTrust acts as a neutral third party to ensure security and interoperability over the Internet and other electronic devices.
InterTrust's more than 40 licensees and partners include Adobe, AOL/TimeWarner, BlockBuster, BMG Entertainment, Cirrus, Compaq, Digital World Services, Enron, Magex, Mercurix, Mitsubishi, Nokia, Philips, Samsung, Texas Instruments, Universal Music Group, and Wave Systems.
About DataPlay, Inc.
DataPlay, Inc. was incorporated in November 1998 to develop a Web-enabled digital content recording and distribution media for portable Internet appliances and hand-held consumer electronic and entertainment devices. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the Company employs more than 175 people in the United States, Singapore and Japan. Visit DataPlay on the Internet at www.dataplay.com.
Back to press releases
and coming back full circle--On2 and Intertrust Announce Digital Rights Management Licensing Agreement
Technology to Enable Secure Delivery of Streaming and Downloadable Video
New York, NY, October 10, 2000 - On2.com Inc. (ASE: ONT), the New York-based broadband application services provider, and InterTrust Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ITRU), today announced a digital rights management (DRM) licensing agreement. On2 will integrate InterTrust's advanced DRM platform into On2's streaming video architecture as well as other video platforms supporting On2's VP3TM technology. This integrated solution will enable secure streaming of download video for robust pay per view (PPV), video on demand (VOD) and subscription applications.
"InterTrust technology provides the strongest platform from which we can offer a secure environment to protect the video assets of our content-rich customers," said Douglas A. McIntyre, President and CEO of On2. "This partnership with InterTrust allows us to offer our customers the powerful combination of On2's best-of-breed streaming solutions with InterTrust's first-rate DRM solution."
"On2 is an emerging leader in the broadband digital video technology and services arena. We welcome On2 to the MetaTrust family of partners," said Edmund Fish, EVP and Chief Business Officer, InterTrust Technologies Corporation. "On2's video application technologies and services will provide an innovative set of offerings for our partners in this space and will further advance the use of InterTrust's DRM platform for all types of digital content."
About On2.com Inc.
On2.com Inc. (ASE: ONT) is a leader in broadband technology and content delivery over the Internet. On2's advanced video compression and streaming technology - TrueMotion VP3TM - revolutionizes the consumer Web experience by delivering full-motion, full- screen, television-quality video over the Internet at data rates as low as 250 kilobits per second, scaling dynamically to 500 kilobits and more. On2 has developed the Internet's first network of Web channels exclusively for broadband consumers (www.on2.com), and is further leveraging its technology and broadband expertise to enable Web developers and other third-party content providers to transform their narrowband content to the new broadband medium. Headquartered in New York City's Tribeca Film Center in the heart of Silicon Alley, On2 is located at 375 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013 and can be reached at 212-941-2400 or info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com. More information is available at www.on2.com.
ON2 TECHNOLOGIES TO DEMONSTRATE VP4I, REAL-TIME VIDEO COMPRESSION SOLUTION
Release of VP4i Introduces Real-Time Encoding and Interlacing to On2’s Family of Codecs
New York, NY, January 3, 2002 – On2 Technologies Inc., The Duck Corporation (AMEX: ONT), the industry leader in compression technology, announced the upcoming release of VP4i, its groundbreaking next-generation compression technology. Starting on January 15, On2 will be demonstrating its VP4i real-time encoding solution to potential customers.
“On2 has now been at the forefront of the video compression industry for ten years,” said On2 President and Chief Executive Officer Doug McIntyre, “And we continue to diversify our product offerings to meet the demands of the market. VP4i will allow our customers to add real-time broadcast channels to their product offerings, combining the efficiency inherent in our line of codecs, with the speed the market requires for widespread adoption. Our release of VP5 will contain the same attributes at more aggressive data rates.”
This advance will allow the company to enable existing and future customers to deliver sports and live entertainment offerings in addition to the movies and video-on-demand On2 customers are providing today.
“VP4i represents a significant breakthrough in compression technology,” said Dan Miller, founder and CTO of On2. “This represents the first commercially available codec (compression/decompression engine) capable of handling full-bandwidth, interlaced video material in real time, at data rates under one megabit per second, while maintaining full broadcast quality for delivery to TV set-top boxes and desktop computers.”
Targeted to the digital set-top box market, VP4i is the first-ever compression technology to break the 1-megabit barrier for full resolution, 60 field-per-second digital video delivery – competing standards usually require 3-8 megabits to achieve comparable quality. Since its release in April, VP4 has been recognized as the most efficient technology for set-top box initiatives. The addition of VP4 broadens the number of platforms that can handle to delivery of encoded content.
About On2 Technologies, The Duck Corporation
On2 Technologies (AMEX: ONT) is a leading technology firm at the forefront of video compression. The Company revolutionized video encoding with the creation of its advanced full-motion, full-screen, video compression and streaming technology (TrueMotion® VP3/VP4). On2 licenses its high quality video codecs for use in set-top boxes, electronic gaming devices and wireless applications. In addition, On2 offers a suite of products and services, including high-level video encoding, hosting, streaming, customized technical support, and consulting services. Headquartered in New York City, the Company has an office in Albany, NY, and operations in London, UK, and Seoul, Korea. On2 may be reached at 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013, telephone 917-237-0500 or info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com.
Contact info:
Ed Gillespie
(917) 237-5128/edgill@on2.com
<<< Back to On2 Press Releases
© 2001 On2 Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Company OverviewCompression OverviewClients and PartnersCase StudyThe On2 VP4 CodecOn2's VP4 for RealOn2's TrueCast Server SoftwareOn2's VP3 Plug-In for the RealPlayer/RealServerOn2's VP3 QuickTime
Plug-InOn2's VP3 for WindowsOpen-Source VP3.2The On2 VP4 EncoderTM2XEncoding ServicesCreative ServicesHosting and Streaming ServicesCustom Engineering ServicesVP3 Open-Source ConsultingFeatured TrailersFeatured SelectionsBroadway on BroadbandBoardManagement TeamJob ListingsStockSEC FilingsPress ReleasesNews StoriesUpcoming EventsVP4VP3 for QuickTimeVP3 for WindowsTM2X
On2 to Unveil VP4 RealPlayer Integration in January
VP4 to be Submitted to RealNetworks for Certification
New York, NY, December 19, 2001 -- On2 Technologies Inc., The Duck Corporation (AMEX: ONT), the industry leader in video compression technology, announced VP4 for the RealPlayer will be available at On2’s website, www.on2.com, by the end of January.
On2 is developing the software plug-in to RealPlayer to allow consumers to play files encoded in On2’s proprietary VP4 format in the RealPlayer. In conjunction with the development of the codec software, On2 is developing a software plug-in to the RealSystem Server that will enable broadcasters to stream VP4 encoded files. The software will be submitted to RealNetworks for certification, and deployment will begin upon acceptance.
VP4 has achieved a major breakthrough in Internet video compression technology by achieving full-screen, full-motion, near-DVD quality at 450 Kbps. It will exclusively support RealNetworks’ RealPlayer and RealSystem iQ, enabling consumers to have the highest quality playback experience. Customers will be able to deliver the most robust, scaleable, user-friendly experience across any network, using any device, to consumers.
RealSystem iQ is a robust, standards-based, end-to-end system architecture that can provide a single common framework for global Internet media delivery – from any platform, in any format, and to any device.
About On2 Technologies, The Duck Corporation
On2 Technologies (AMEX: ONT) is a leading technology firm at the forefront of video compression. The Company revolutionized video encoding with the creation of its advanced full-motion, full-screen, video compression and streaming technology (TrueMotion® VP3/VP4). On2 licenses its high quality video codecs for use in set-top boxes, electronic gaming devices and wireless applications. In addition, On2 offers a suite of products and services, including high-level video encoding, hosting, streaming, customized technical support, and consulting services. Headquartered in New York City, the Company has an office in Albany, NY, and operations in London, UK, and Seoul, Korea. On2 may be reached at 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013, telephone 917-237-0500 or info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com.
Contact info:
On2 Technologies To Optimize New Audio Codec for Equator MAP-CA and X86 Processors
Complement to Flagship Video Compression Technology Slated for Q’1 2002 Release
New York, NY, November 13, 2001 -- On2 Technologies Inc., The Duck Corporation (AMEX: ONT), the industry leader in compression technology, today announced that their proprietary new Audio for Video Coding system (AVC) will be made available to Equator Technologies for their MAP-CA broadband signal processor. In addition, On2 will also be incorporating AVC into an X86 processor targeted to the set-top box market. Integration will be completed in Q1 2002.
"The porting of our audio codec, which complements our video compression technology, is a key first step in extending our product offerings," stated Douglas McIntyre, President and CEO of On2 Technologies. "On2 will now be prepared to offer the best video and audio available to potential licensees, on multiple platforms, while eliminating integration concerns."
On2’s VP4 video compression technology is widely recognized as delivering the highest-quality video at the lowest available data rates, and AVC will seek to continue that tradition of quality and scalability. It will compress audio at data rates competitive with the best of today's audio codecs, with reduced complexity and overhead for easy deployment on desktop computers and next-generation IP-based TV set-top boxes.
Equator Technologies’ MAP-CA DSP is positioned as the world's fastest programmable image processor and on-board security processor. The X86 is a widely used processor in the consumer electronics industry. On2 will be porting AVC onto a version aimed at set-top box developers. This port is being done for one of On2’s new Asian clients.
About On2 Technologies, The Duck Corporation
On2 Technologies (AMEX: ONT) is a leading technology firm at the forefront of video compression. The Company revolutionized video encoding with the creation of its advanced full-motion, full-screen, video compression and streaming technology (TrueMotion® VP3/VP4). On2 licenses its high quality video codecs for use in set-top boxes, electronic gaming devices and wireless applications. In addition, On2 offers a suite of products and services, including high-level video encoding, hosting, streaming, customized technical support, and consulting services. Headquartered in New York City, the Company has an office in Albany, NY, and operations in London, UK, and Seoul, Korea. On2 may be reached at 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013, telephone 917-237-0500 or info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com.
Contact info:
On2’s VP4 Technology to be Available on Texas Instruments DSPs
TI’s High-Performance TMS320C6000 Digital Signal Processors Will Integrate On2’s VP4 Codec for Video and Imaging Appliance Market
New York, NY, October 22, 2001 – On2 Technologies Inc., The Duck Corporation (AMEX: ONT), the industry leader in video compression technology, announced today that their VP4 video compression technology will be available on the Texas Instruments TMS320C6000 digital signal processors (DSPs). A version of the VP4 decoding software will execute on TI DSPs. The resulting product will bring high bandwidth video streaming at low bit rates to the set-top box and video appliance markets.
"This is another step along the way for VP4 to become the standard video compression for streaming devices used in the home and in business," stated Douglas McIntyre, president and CEO, On2 Technologies. "Texas Instruments is an ideal partner for us to move forward in this portion of the global streaming marketplace."
"Texas Instruments recognizes the value of streaming high-quality video over low bit rate channels," said Eric Braddom, business manager, DSP Video and Imaging, Texas Instruments. "Combining the fully programmable, flexible performance of the C6000 DSPs from TI with On2’s codec, we’ll be able to greatly increase both video channel density and video quality."
The fully programmable C6000 DSPs from Texas Instruments offer both the most flexible and the highest performance DSP solution to address the changing landscape of video and imaging market, thus enabling customers to adapt products to evolving standards and implement product differentiation with proprietary IP.
As previously announced, RealPlayer and RealAudio from RealNetworks are also available on this chip set.
On2’s VP4 video compression technology has been optimized for consumer electronic devices and offers the highest quality streaming video commercially available at the lowest possible data rates.
On2’s VP4 groundbreaking features include:
Near-DVD Quality at 450 Kbps: VP4 permits data receipt at 450 Kbps while delivering full screen, full motion at true 640x480 resolution at 24fps for film and 30 fps for video.
Near-VHS Quality at 150 Kbps: VP4 currently achieves near-VHS quality at 150 Kbps, at a screen size of 320x240 resolution at 24-30 fps.
Seamless bandwidth management for IP-based delivery networks.
About On2 Technologies, The Duck Corporation
On2 Technologies (AMEX: ONT) is a leading technology firm at the forefront of video compression. The Company revolutionized video encoding with the creation of its advanced full-motion, full-screen, video compression and streaming technology (TrueMotion® VP3/VP4). On2 licenses its high quality video codecs for use in set-top boxes, electronic gaming devices and wireless applications. In addition, On2 offers a suite of products and services, including high-level video encoding, hosting, streaming, customized technical support, and consulting services. Headquartered in New York City, the Company has an office in Albany, NY, and operations in London, UK, and Seoul, Korea. On2 may be reached at 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013, telephone 917-237-0500 or info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com.
Contact info: