Portable media devices are a relatively new class of product, driven by the need to conveniently play PC-based and downloaded Internet content on any television without the need of a wired or wireless network. With PCs becoming the media center for home entertainment, consumers have more flexibility in storing and collecting a myriad of content. As a result, portable media devices allow consumers to conveniently store and remotely utilize all their PC-based digital music, photos and video titles. Sigma media processors are designed to address this need, decoding major digital media formats and facilitating control of an embedded device.
“With an endless choice of video, audio, photo, and other media, which consumers are collecting, products that conveniently access the entertainment library are quickly becoming a necessity.”
These portable media devices typically operate as external PC storage, offering 50 to 250 GB of storage capacity using a USB 2.0 interface. As such, they can be readily loaded up with video files (MPEG-2, DivX, MPEG-4, etc.), audio files (MP3, WMA, etc.) and image files (such as JPEG). Once loaded, they become portable media players that can be used with televisions in the living room, in the car, or while traveling. Common video outputs (composite, S-video, component) and audio outputs (stereo, SPDIF) enable the device to be easily connected to any television. Users access content and control playback in a manner similar to a DVD player, using a convenient remote control that enables set-up, browsing, and playback control (play,-pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc.).
"We see these devices as a continuation of the trend toward whole home entertainment and an extension of the PC's role as a media center," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing, Sigma Designs. "With an endless choice of video, audio, photo, and other media, which consumers are collecting, products that conveniently access the entertainment library are quickly becoming a necessity."
The MG-25 from AL Tech
As one of the first products on the market, AL Tech has recently launched its MG-25 portable multimedia player which includes an integral 2.5" hard disk drive. The MG-25 is based on Sigma's EM8510 digital media processor and is a sibling model to its already launched MG-100, a desktop DVD/DivX player with network and USB host connectivity. The MG-25 is positioned as a performance-price value leader and will be marketed on a worldwide basis.
"Sigma's media processors combine the high quality video output consumers need along with a convenient development kit that enables us to focus on value-added features," said J.Y. Kim, president of AL Tech.
The MG-25 is available now directly from AL Tech.
The MODIX HD-3510 From DTS Infocom
Another new addition is the MODIX HD-3510 from DTS Infocom, which features an integral 3.5" hard disc drive with up to 400 GB of storage capacity. The MODIX HD-3510 is based on the Sigma's EM EM8511 digital media processor which provides complete audio/video processing and system control features. The MODIX HD-3510 features a wide range of media format options, HD Component output with programmable upscaling, and Digital 5.1 channel surround sound. It also offers an option for car audio/video applications.
"There is an increasing demand for devices that link the PC and downloaded media with living room playback. Using Sigma media processors will enable us to offer the widest support of new audio/video formats with a consistent high quality output," said Hyung-Hee Park, CEO of DTS Infocom.
The Modix HD3510 is available now directly from DTS Infocom.
The TViX from Dvico
Also new on the market is the TViX from Dvico, which features an integral 3.5" hard disc drive with up to 250 GB capacity. The TViX is based on Sigma's EM8510 digital media processor and supports video decoding for DivX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x, XVID, AVI, MPG, DAT, and VOB and audio decoding for PCM, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AC3, and DTS. The TViX supports Video Out in both standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 high definition resolution. Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound, and offers an optional car-pack system.
"We have designed a full featured media player that supports the widest range of formats available today. The Sigma media processor offers great quality video output with unlimited scaling from any resolution to any aspect ratio of output," said Jeff Lee, CEO of Dvico.
The TViX is available now directly from Dvico.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements about the projected timing and extent of customer shipments as well as the expected use of Sigma's MPEG decoder products. Actual results could vary from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including worldwide economic conditions, changes in the customer's ability or desire to complete the roll-out, consumer reaction to the new products and services being offered, the ability of Sigma to deliver sufficient quantity and quality of MPEG decoder chips, prices for the Sigma chips, alternative offerings by competitors, and the ability of the parties to work together successfully to achieve the rollout.
About AL Tech, Inc.
AL Tech specializes in edge-network products, USB storage products and multimedia products. The network, storage and multimedia are, AL Tech believes, core competencies in forthcoming home gateway market where the company aims to be a global leader. Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, AL Tech tries to expand local business into global ones as an OEM and ODM manufacturer. AL Tech has manufacturing partners in both Korea and Taiwan. Please visit the company's web site at www.airlinktek.com or www.anygate.co.kr.
About DTS Infocom Co, Ltd
DTS Infocom Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of MPEG4 DivX video products, DVD players and Karaoke Players. Established in 1997, DTS Infocom has become a leader in the business of world DVD and Karaoke appliances by adopting a system to enhance production efficiency and product quality. Standard and customized products are offered for sale on an OEM/ODM basis and are available in many countries in the world. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.dtsinfo.co.kr.
About Dvico
Established in 1998, Dvico is committed to innovative and cutting edge technology in the design and development of wide range of Digital video products and multimedia storage products for PC and Mac users. Dvico offers a widening range of consumer electronic products, including advanced storage devices, HDTV tuners, USB/Firewire devices, and more. Dvico is headquartered in Korea and maintains online and retail sales in the US, far-east, and Europe. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.dvico.co.kr or www.tvix.co.kr.
About Sigma Designs, Inc.
Sigma Designs (Nasdaq:SIGM) specializes in silicon-based MPEG decoding for streaming video, progressive DVD playback, and advanced digital set-top boxes. The company's award-winning REALmagic(R) 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, Calif., 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/.
REALmagic and Sigma Designs are registered trademarks of Sigma Designs. All other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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