Automotive Mobile Audio Video

Prelude Trust plc Invests $9 Million in Wireless Video Technology

Company

Arthur D. Little, one of the world's premier management and technology consulting firms, has launched Alphamosaic, a new mobile video company that promises to make low-cost, low-power video available for wireless devices in the near term.

The launch of Alphamosaic coincides with a $9 million venture capital investment in the company by Prelude Trust plc. Alphamosaic will use the funds to commercialize its proprietary wireless video technology called VideoCore, which allows a wide range of new video functions for mobile devices, including cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The technology was developed at Arthur D. Little's European technology arm Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL(R)), which is headquartered in Cambridge, England. Alphamosaic will also be headquartered in Cambridge.

"We have developed the technology that everyone has been asking for - a low-cost, low-power method of transmitting video through cell phones, PDAs and any other wireless devices," said Robert Swann, co-founder of Alphamosaic. "As wireless devices become more prevalent, the public is demanding even greater flexibility and functionality while they're on the road. The market is already sold on options like text messaging and wireless Internet, and it's only a matter of time before it embraces wireless video as well."

Recent research forecasts that by 2005, 92 percent of U.S. households will use "personal rich media" (audio & video clips) regularly. On a larger scale, key industry players predict that by 2004, camera-enabled handsets will account for 20-50 percent of the global phone market.

Alphamosaic's new VideoCore technology will allow users to conduct a wide range of functions through their wireless devices, including monitoring their homes while travelling, sending video postcards to friends, and holding high-quality video conference calls while on the move.

"Alphamosaic has the potential to revolutionize the way mobile video is perceived in today's market," said Alan Duncan, Director at Prelude. "This company has all the characteristics that Prelude looks for in its investments: a world-class technical team coupled with proprietary technology that meets a global market opportunity."

OXFORDSHIRE, England -- Celoxica (LSE:CXA) today announced availability of the RC340, the company's latest programmable platform for designers of advanced digital video and imaging applications. The RC340 is for prototyping and development of high-performance, high-throughput FPGA and soft-core microprocessor-based applications such as HDTV, broadcast, robotics and industrial vision systems, video compression, video distribution, high-speed encrypted VPN, packet filtering and network intrusion detection.

The RC340 includes a 16M Gate Xilinx Virtex 4 FPGA, direct access to 32Mbytes of pipelined SRAM, a DIMM socket for DRAM and is supported with a wide range of video I/O and peripherals. The RC340 is also available with the PixelStreams video IP library and a complete suite of electronic system level (ESL) design software for new levels of hardware/software integration.

High-performance video, including stereoscopic video applications, is enabled by the dual video inputs and outputs, including both digital video to the DVI standard and analog video. As an option, the board can be supplied with a high-resolution 1024x768 12.1-inch TFT/Touchscreen offering a quality and size of display unique in the industry, and a mobile and compact demonstration vehicle for imaging applications such as in-car infotainment and mobile devices.

Communications are provided by dual gigabit Ethernet MAC/PHYs and 10/100/1000baseT sockets offering capability for data streaming, data distribution and high performance network applications. The board also offers a USB 2.0 connection for high-speed bit file download and for host to FPGA application communications. To assist with debug, application status reporting and user interaction, the board has 8 user-programmable LEDs and a four-line, 16 character LCD display as well as audio in/out, including SPDIF digital out, PS2 keyboard and mouse connectors and dual RS232 ports. The board also provides an SDCard socket for the storage of bit files for the FPGA and user application data.

"The RC340 is the latest and very capable addition to our industry proven and widely adopted RC300 Series of programmable platforms," said Graham McKenzie, product marketing manager for Celoxica. "Board level features and architecture have been optimized for high performance real-time video and imaging applications and the board is available stand alone or fully integrated into our ESL design software and video IP libraries."

INGOLSTADT, Germany -- In Europe last week for the kick-off of commercial mobile TV services and for the introduction of handsets using its tuner, Microtune(R), Inc. President and CEO James A. Fontaine revealed the company's product strategy to meet the needs of worldwide mobile/portable TV manufacturers for future radio frequency (RF) electronics.

"Leveraging our patented MicroTuner(TM) architecture, coupled with our market leadership in silicon TV tuner-chips and digital TV expertise, our product plan is to develop new multi-standard, poly-band, universal TV tuners that can help drive the development of the global market for mobile and portable TV," said Mr. Fontaine.

"We expect the commercial rollouts for the 2006 FIFA World Cup to serve as an excellent proving ground for mobile TV services. They will rigorously test the entire broadcasting system, while spurring interest, demand and deployments. We are proud that our DVB-H tuner technology is deployed in the LG Electronics' LG-U900 handsets that will be used in the Italian Hutchison (3) launch. As additional mobile TV networks are introduced worldwide, we believe that multiple mobile TV standards, as with other digital TV standards, will co-exist across regions or countries. We intend to support these multiple standards with our advanced tuner technology.

"Our goal is to provide high-performance tuners to as wide a market as possible, while permitting our customers to cost effectively develop multi-market end products. In the process, we expect to solidify a leadership position as the preferred RF supplier to major consumer electronics manufacturers."

According to Mr. Fontaine, Microtune plans to expand upon its existing ATSC, DVB-T and DVB-H-based products to develop universal tuners. They will be engineered as miniature single chips that support multiple mobile TV standards, while also easily enabling compact dual-tuner configurations for personal video recording and diversity applications. Anticipating the convergence of digital TV broadcast, multimedia and connectivity as part of the evolution of handsets and portable devices, the company also plans to investigate strategies to bridge its current tuner portfolio with expanded RF functions.

Suited for public transit and fleet applications, TransViewer(TM) digital recording server enables security personnel to see into moving vehicle in real-time. It is fully network capable, using Internet standard TCP/IP protocol, allowing live or recorded images to be accessed securely via wireless services. System multiplexes and records up to 8 video cameras and 2 channels of audio, as well as responds to panic alarms and processes GPS information.

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Unique Solution Insures the Well Being of Precious Cargo.

Las Vegas, NV (April 6, 2005) - AirVisual, a New York based application service provider for the enterprise security and safety market, is demonstrating a new, multi-camera digital recording server specifically designed for use in public transit and fleet applications here at ISCW 2005. TransViewer provides security personnel the ability to see into a moving vehicle in real time and is ideal for use with a wide range of public vehicles including buses and taxis, as well as private or commercial vehicles, aircraft and maritime vessels.

AirVisual's TransViewer digital recording server is fully network capable, using Internet standard TCP/IP protocol allowing live or recorded images to be accessed securely via wireless services. Much more powerful than the traditional law enforcement "in-car" video systems, this breakthrough product delivers real-time images from the inside of a vehicle, multiplexes and records up to eight video cameras and two channels of audio as well as responds to panic alarms and processes GPS information.

"Having instant visual access to transport vehicles is paramount in the management of safe and efficient operations," said Tom Hansen, Founder and CEO. "The comprehensive functionality of TransViewer enhances command center operations by quickly providing a wide range of information from any number of vehicles, expanding the boundaries for surveillance, tracking and communications."

Images can be archived to PCs or mass storage devices and can be retrieved through a variety of methods. The system features a "go-to-time" function that will play back images from a specified time and date, or can be downloaded at a specific time on a daily basis. Additionally, images from alarm events can be auto archived by way of file transfer protocol (FTP) on detection of a valid FTP server. Audit trails are initiated by the use of watermarking technology on all recorded images.

Designed for high-speed switching of audio, video, and data signals in portable devices, SPST Models AS1741, AS1742, and AS1743 feature 1.6-3.6 V supply voltage, switching current up to 250 mA, and on-resistance of 0.8 Ohms. All digital logic inputs are 1.8 V CMOS compatible. Housed in 8-pin MSOP package, switches are suited for mobile phones, digital cameras, and PDAs, as well as MP3, CD/DVD, and video players.

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The AS1741, AS1742 and AS1743 analog switches are ideal for high-speed switching of audio, video and data signals in portable devices like mobile phones, MP3, CD/DVD and video players, digital cameras, PDAs and handhelds

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 13, 2005) - austriamicrosystems announced today the availability of its first family of high performance analog switches. These high-speed, low-voltage, dual, single-pole/single-throw (SPST) analog switches offer significant performance improvements over existing products. Switching time has been improved by over 40% while maintaining superior low on-resistance (Ron) flatness and channel matching. Through the improved bandwidth of 130MHz the devices are ideal for video and high-speed data signals. The wide supply voltage range from 1.6V to 3.6V supports a broad range of designs. All digital logic inputs are 1.8V CMOS compatible.

The combination of very low power consumption, Ron and fast switching speed makes these devices ideal for portable battery powered applications and allows for switching of currents up to 250mA. The excellent power routing performance enabled by the low Ron of only 0.8 Ohms makes these high performance switches a perfect match for low-Ohm speakers and headsets.

The first series of high performance analog switches is available as two normally open (AS1741), two normally closed (AS1742) and a combination of one open and one closed switch (AS1743).

Featuring SPI/I2C digital interface, 3-axis, low-g Model LIS3LV02DQ includes adjustable bandwidth to eliminate interference from irrelevant frequency areas, and direction detection, which signals threshold crossing along any of 3 axes. Housed in 5 x 5 x 1.5 mm[sup.3] LGA package, analog-output Models LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL meet space constraints of small-form-factor applications. Model LIS3L02AL offers acceleration range of [+ or -]2g, while Model LIS3L06AL offers choice of [+ or -]2 g and [+ or -]6 g.

Geneva, October 12, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) devices, today announced that it has expanded its portfolio of three-axis accelerometers with three new models, embedding world-class performance in ever smaller packages. From ultra-compact analog devices to 'smart sensors' with two digital output formats (SPI/I2C), ST's low-power, high-resolution MEMS accelerometers address different system needs and hardware characteristics in a wide range of low-g applications, from hard-disk drive protection to motion user interfaces.

ST's LIS3LV02DQ is the market's most advanced 3-axis low-g accelerometer with a standard SPI/I2C digital interface. Its novel features, including adjustable bandwidth and direction detection, mark the transition towards the concept of "smart sensors."

Adjustable bandwidth provides optimized performance for different frequencies, raising the resolution by eliminating interference from irrelevant frequency areas. In ST's LIS3LV02DQ, the bandwidth can be flexibly changed with a software command, allowing designers to effectively combine measurements of slow and fast motions, such as tilts and vibrations, in one application.

The embedded feature of direction detection immediately signals threshold crossing along any of the three axes. This information helps quickly understand in which direction the sensor is moving before any data calculations are made. Areas of application include intuitive user interfaces in various computer and consumer applications, such as 3D mice or gaming consoles.

ST's new analog-output LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL sensors are the market's first devices in slim-and-small plastic LGA (Land Grid Array) packages. Their 5x5x1.5 mm3 dimensions meet the space constraints of the booming small-form-factor applications, including mini disc drives, mobile phones, and other portable electronic devices.

Offered in EIA sizes 1008, 1210, and 1812, molded chip Series NL is compatible with high-speed pick-and-place assembly equipment, and is suitable for high-temperature flow or reflow soldering processes. Miniature units feature metal tab electrodes to ensure leaching resistant terminations, and coils encapsulated in heatproof resin for resistance to shock, moisture, and vibration. Applications include appliances, instrumentation, and onboard automotive equipment.

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Ivyland, PA, October 27, 2005...Available from Cal-Chip Electronics, Inc., a premier manufacturer of quality surface mount passive components, is the comprehensive NL Series of molded chip wirewound inductors. Offered in standard EIA sizes 1008 (NL2520), 1210 (NL3225), and 1812 (NL4532), the series' packages are compatible with high-speed pick-and-place assembly equipment, and are suitable for high-temperature flow or reflow soldering processes. Reliable, miniature, and economic, the inductors notably feature metal tab electrodes to ensure leaching resistant terminations, and coils encapsulated in heatproof resin for superior resistance to thermal shock, moisture, mechanical shock, and vibration. Available in lead-free/RoHS-compliant part numbers, these small, thin, lightweight devices are engineered to optimize performance and manufacturing efficiencies while maximizing design flexibility on high-density, PC boards.

Due to their small-footprint wirewound chip design, the NL Series inductors may be confidently specified for use in a broad array of appliances, instrumentation, and onboard automotive equipment, including car audio. Additional applications include such audio/video equipment as TVs and VCRs, as well as such hand-held consumer products as mobile phones and PDAs. They are also well suited for use in hybrid ICs and other modular components.

Cal-Chip's NL series offers an inductance range of .01 to 1000 microhenry, with inductance tolerances of +/-5%, +/-10%, and +/-20%. Rated current value obtained when current flows and the temperature has risen to 20 degrees C or when DC current flows and the initial value of inductance has fallen by 10%, whichever is smaller. Inductors feature an operating temperature range of -20 to +100 degrees C.

In standard production quantities, Cal-Chip's NL Series of surface mount wirewound chip inductors' prices range from $0.045 to $0.08 each in tape and reel sizes. Delivery is from stock.

FREMONT, Calif. -- InterVideo(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:IVII) announced today that it has been awarded a development contract for automotive multimedia applications from Alpine Electronics, Inc. in Japan. Alpine, the world's leading automotive consumer electronics system supplier, specializes in engineering solutions for mobile multimedia system integration. Due to the confidential nature of the contract, no further details of the project, including business forecasts, were released.

Well-known for its superior codec technology, InterVideo plays a leading roll in developing innovative multimedia software products for consumers and has been a pioneer in advancing digital audio technology.

"Alpine is taking a leadership position in developing new solutions designed to enhance their customers' automotive multimedia experience," said Steve Ro, CEO and President of InterVideo. "We're pleased to be awarded a design win in the mobile media market as it demonstrates we are getting traction in this exciting growth area."

InterVideo is a leading provider of DVD software. InterVideo has developed a technology platform from which it has created a broad suite of integrated multimedia software products that allow users to capture, edit, author, burn, distribute, and play digital video. InterVideo's software is bundled with products sold by the majority of the leading PC OEMs. The company is headquartered in Fremont, CA with regional offices in Europe, Taiwan, China and Japan.

Housed in 1 mm high package, MEMS-based Model LIS3LV02DL provides digital output, which eliminates need for dedicated A/D converter on each input channel, and enables sensor to share interfaces with other devices. Able to measure tilt and acceleration along all 3 axes, device provides [+ or -]2.0 g and [+ or -]6.0 g full-scale acceleration ranges. It embeds host of smart features, including free-fall and wake-up flag, adjustable bandwidth, and direction detection.

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 13 -- MEMS-based Sensor Packs World-class Performance, Smart Features, and Digital Output Into 1mm-high package

STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a leading supplier of MEMS(Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) devices, today announced that it has expanded its portfolio of three-axis accelerometers with the thinnest digital-output sensor on the market. Embedding high performance and smart functionality in a 1-mm-high package, ST's LIS3LV02DL opens new possibilities for advanced motion-based applications in ever-more popular, thin-profiled clamshell mobile phones.

MEMS-based accelerometers have enabled the introduction of high-performance, cost-effective motion-based user interfaces in mobile applications, including gesture recognition, motion-activated scrolling, and navigation on the phone display. ST's new ultra-slim 3D sensor with digital output extends these advanced capabilities to the clamshell form factor, which is expected to account for 41% of the estimated 750 million handsets sold worldwide in 2006, and represent the majority of mobile phone sales by 2008.

The LIS3LV02DL is the newest member in ST's market-unique family of three-axis accelerometers with a standard SPI/I2C digital interface. The digital output streamlines communication with the baseband chip; it eliminates the need for a dedicated A/D converter on each input channel and enables the sensor to share interfaces with other devices, thereby saving further space in slim-form-factor systems.

Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE:WLF.L) today announced a new cost-saving technology in multi-channel DACs for DVD players and recorders. The WM8522 and WM8501 provide high-performance audio and integrate 1.7Vrms line drivers.

Standard audio DACs output between 0.7 and 1Vrms, which is inadequate for the higher line voltage levels used in modern consumer electronics. To achieve the line level which other consumer equipment expects, an amplifier stage with a dedicated 12V power supply is usually added. The WM8522 and the WM8501 directly provide the high voltage output necessary, from a standard 5V power supply. This eliminates the need for an additional power supply and filter stage, saving an average of $2.80 per system, and dramatically reducing circuit board space.

The WM8522 is a six-channel audio DAC with programmable audio and data interface modes and three independent stereo DAC outputs each with independent volume controls. The device supports audio input word lengths of 16 to 32 bits and sampling rates from 8 to 192 kHz. It is an ideal choice for use in six-channel DVD and 5.1 surround sound systems in both home and automotive applications.

The WM8501 is a two-channel device designed for stereo audio applications which require a high voltage output. The device consists of a stereo DAC, digital interpolation filters, multi-bit sigma delta modulators and a serial interface port. The WM8501 supports data input word lengths from 16 to 24 bits with sampling rates to 192kHz. It has a pin-selectable audio data interface format.

"DVD players are highly cost competitive. Reducing production costs whilst maintaining high-quality sound is vital to manufacturers' survival," said Julian Hayes, Wolfson Vice President of Marketing. "The WM8522 and WM8501 demonstrate Wolfson's dedication to producing cost-effective, highly integrated components which address commercial pressure without sacrificing performance."

Availability

The WM8522 is available now in a 28-pin SSOP package for $1.83 in quantities of 10,000 and is pin compatible with the Wolfson WM8766. The WM8501 is available in a 14-pin SOIC package for $1.03 in quantities of 10,000.

About Wolfson Microelectronics

Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed-signal semiconductors for digital consumer electronics applications.

Crossbow Technology, Inc. (www.xbow.com) the leading full solutions supplier in the wireless sensor networking arena and the only manufacturer of smart dust wireless sensors, today announced the June 1, 2004 availability of its MICAz (TM) Mote. The MICAz enables higher bandwidth wireless sensor networking applications and is optimized for even harsh indoor environments that require high data rate transmissions. The latest in a rapidly expanding family of Crossbow Motes tailored to support specific application requirements, the MICAz is plug and play with all of Crossbow's sensor and data acquisition boards, gateways and software.

Modular Application Specific Product Family for Wireless Sensor Networks

"Crossbow's roadmap for supporting the growing number of wireless sensor networking applications its customers wish to deploy is to package specific capabilities into a modular, battery-powered product family that can be easily deployed, managed and maintained," said Mike Horton, CEO of Crossbow. "The company's new MICAz Mote provides a plug and play solution for battery powered, high bandwidth applications that must operate without interference in even harsh indoor environments. This is a breakthrough solution for home and building automation, automotive and indoor security applications, where reliably securing, gathering and sending audio and video data utilizing a wireless sensor network was previously impossible to achieve."

Latest in Series of Standard Compliant New Motes Supports Full Interoperability

Crossbow's open standard wireless sensor mesh networking platform is based on the TinyOS open source operating system which supports fully modular interoperability and migration to any emerging radio, protocol and transmission standards. For example, the 2.4 GHz MICAz is 802.15.4 and ISM band compliant and can easily support ZigBee standard protocols.

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. -- Portable entertainment changed forever in 1979 when the Sony Walkman hit the market. It spawned an industry, and made personal mobile listening possible.

Today's equivalent is the MP3 player. But where's the music, and how do you get it? It's on the Internet, and you need a computer to buy it and transfer it to your player. That's a step backwards, away from the joy of truly portable procurement and listening.

"Today's so-called portables," says Vamsi Sistla, director of residential entertainment at ABI Research, "are still tied by an umbilical cord to the computer and a broadband connection. The industry should address these shortcomings."

A suggested rethink is included in ABI Research's new study, "The Emergence of Portable Audio, Video & Game Markets."

Consider this scenario. You head into a drive-in food stand. While waiting for your order, you connect your network-ready MP3 player to a wired or wireless vending station, right from the car. After your multimedia provider's normal authentication process, you download the latest multimedia in the time it takes to cook your burger.

You could restock your player at a sidewalk kiosk, or in a record store or an electronics retailer. You could do it in the supermarket checkout line, or at the gym, or even on a plane.

For market leaders such as Sony, Apple, Philips and Microsoft, for big retailers and name brands, and for Wi-Fi, RFID and NFC vendors this could mean many more customers, higher sales, and huge profits.

All that's needed is to make portable audio and video devices network-ready, and for content providers to build an access infrastructure to provide additional avenues for obtaining content. "I'm not excited by the prospect of an 80 GB MP3 player," says Sistla. "What gets me excited is a 20 GB player that can download media on the go."

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, quarterly intelligence services and market reports in wireless, automotive, semiconductors, broadband, and energy.

AMD (NYSE:AMD) and M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (Nasdaq:FLSH) have entered into a strategic agreement to jointly develop sophisticated high-density flash data storage solutions for the rapidly growing mobile data storage market.

Building on AMD's strength in manufacturing, packaging and flash technology; and M-Systems' award-winning DiskOnChip technology, this collaboration is intended to create embedded data storage products optimized for high-performance mobile and other applications.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop and market flash data storage solutions. The combination of AMD's advanced low power flash with M-Systems' widely supported and easy-to-use TrueFFS (True Flash File System) technology is expected to create solutions which offer high-performance, small form-factors and an extremely cost-effective interface.

This suite of products will be designed to offer the functionality and ease-of-use of a hard drive, with the superior speed, performance, low power consumption and reliability of AMD's Flash memory.

Cellular telephones, wireless devices, hand-held PCs, automotive PCs and other mobile products that need to quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data, can greatly benefit from the small form factor and cost-effective interface of the solutions the two companies plan to develop. Offering integrated security features with extensive data storage capabilities, these products will be designed for mobile-commerce applications such as the secure digital music initiative.

"AMD believes that there is a burgeoning market for high-capacity embedded data storage devices in advanced portable products," said Walid Maghribi, AMD's senior vice president and president of the company's Memory Group.

"The growing need for small, low-power, rugged and secure storage solutions that are capable of holding large quantities of data, audio and video files, represents a tremendous opportunity for flash memory. AMD has partnered with M-Systems to develop this new flash-based data storage solution to address the mobile market's unique needs."

"We chose to adopt M-Systems' DiskOnChip technology because of its combination of the TrueFFS software, a unique controller with highly integrated security features, and their ability to provide a comprehensive solution," added Maghribi.

NEWTON, Mass. -- Conference Provides Comprehensive Overview of Today's and Tomorrow's TV to Mobile Business

Global Technology Conferences, Inc. (GTC) today announced the successful conclusion of the first GSPx TV to Mobile event. The two-day event in Eindhoven, The Netherlands attracted design engineers and executives from leading technology companies in Europe and around the world. This vertical event in the GSPx series of conferences focused on the implementation of video broadcasting and video compression technology and the elements involved.

"In its first year, GSPx TV to Mobile attracted key design engineers and business leaders from the industry-leading video and mobile companies," said Dr. Amnon Aliphas, conference chair. "Attendees had the opportunity to learn from each other, explore this dynamic field and gain insight into where the industry is heading."

The conference included speakers from Freescale Semiconductor, Microsoft, Nokia, Philips, Texas Instruments and Toshiba, with the keynote address being delivered by Kees Joosse, business development manager for Philips Semiconductors. Attendees also learned about the latest standards in the industry and exhibiting companies displayed their video compression and broadcasting technologies.

Video compression and broadcasting technologies will also be explored at GSPx 2005, the pervasive signal processing event, as one of several vertical tracks. GSPx will take place October 24-27 in the Santa Clara Convention Center in California. In addition to video, the conference will examine the latest advances in audio/speech, multi-core processors, next generation technologies, SAR imagery, telecommunications and wireless. Decision-making engineers, managers and C-level executives will come together at GSPx to spark ideas, develop new partnerships, to learn about the latest technologies and to drive the industry forward.

What People Are Saying About GSPx TV to Mobile

"The quality of the GSPx TV to Mobile conference was at a very high level regarding both the profound knowledge of the speakers as well as the depth of the presented topics. I really appreciated the openness of all participants."

Gregorio Roper, ServiceForce GmbH

"The event was right on time and had a good technological focus. A very good job was done to arrange a conference with such leading speakers."