Automotive Mobile Audio Video

Blackfin Processor Family Meets the Challenges of Designing Electronics for Multimedia, Networked Automotive and Industrial Applications

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Targeting the increasingly demanding requirements of embedded automotive and industrial applications, Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) is introducing its newest series of Blackfin[R] processors: the ADSP-BF54x family (ADSP-BF542/BF544/BF548/BF549). The Blackfin ADSP-BF54x family features a balance of increased I/O and memory bandwidth, on-chip memory, and integration of CAN and MOST system peripherals to deliver high performance and cost-effectiveness to industrial and multimedia/networked in-vehicle automotive applications. The BF54x family also embeds new Lockbox[TM] Secure Technology that protects developers' software code, which represents the valuable intellectual property that differentiates their products.

"Analog Devices' newest Blackfin processor family brings developers more of what they need to design performance-hungry and connectivity-ready electronics, making it ideal for manufacturers of automotive electronics as well as industrial manufacturers, particularly those designing applications requiring field upgradeability," said John Croteau, general manager, Convergent Platforms and Services Group, Analog Devices, Inc. "The Blackfin processor is unmatched for enabling these products because of its blend of signal- and control-processing multimedia support. The software flexibility is critical for automotive applications in particular because media formats and communications standards inevitably change in the time it takes applications to go from concept to the highway."
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Increased System Performance Drives Convergent Applications

"System performance has become a crucial enabler for in-vehicle electronics because audio, video, and hands-free communication continue to intensify processing demands," said Peter Kohlschmidt, director, Development Infotainment, Audi AG, Ingolstadt. "The Blackfin processor has proven a good fit for our audio head units."

Operating at speeds up to 600MHz, the new ADSP-BF54x family doubles the internal bus bandwidth of Blackfin to 532 Mbytes per second to meet the demands of system peripheral integration. This internal bandwidth is matched by up to 260Kbytes of on-chip memory. Additionally, the high-performance processing is complemented by a rich set of integrated peripherals that reduces system cost and development risk by minimizing the need for external components. High Speed USB on-the-go (OTG) with integrated PHY, ATAPI controller, and NAND flash controller are just a few of the peripheral options on the ADSP-BF54x family. Up to 152 general-purpose I/O ports are also supported. Furthermore, these new Blackfin processors offer a MXVR (Media Transfer) interface that easily integrates automotive telematics and infotainment systems with vehicles through a MOST network.

The ADI CROSSCORE([R]) software and hardware development tools that support other Blackfin Processors support the ADSP-BF54x family. These tools include the award-winning VisualDSP++([R]) integrated development and debug environment (IDDE), emulators, and EZ-KIT Lite([R]) evaluation hardware.

Automotive Leadership in Telematics and Infotainment Systems

A different processing profile characterizes today's automotive telematics and infotainment systems because multimedia content standards are changing constantly, threatening to out-date automotive electronics before the vehicle even hits the road. With its outstanding system performance and rich set of integrated peripherals, the new code- and pin-compatible Blackfin ADSP-BF549, which includes CAN (Controller Area Network) and MOST (Media-Oriented System Transport), is a platform capable of addressing a wide scope of applications such as audio/video rear seat entertainment systems (RSEs), digital radios, driver assistance systems, navigation head units, and hands-free phones.

Industrial Focus

The new Blackfin family is ideal for a wide-variety of industrial applications where field upgradeability, local storage and display capabilities are critical. Target markets include factory automation, wireless instrumentation, wireless telecommunications radios and switching, and security systems where the signal processing performance and rich peripheral set of the Blackfin BF54x family works to differentiate the end application.

BELLEVUE, Wash. & UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria -- UIEvolution, a leading provider of software solutions for rich media, information and entertainment, has been selected by austriamicrosystems, a leading global designer and manufacturer of analog integrated circuits for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications, to develop the graphical user interface for its new Mobile Entertainment Platform. austriamicrosystems and UIEvolution are working together to help engineers simplify development of portable audio devices through graphical system design. This innovation combines open software and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) programmable hardware in a single, unifying platform to rapidly design, prototype and deploy devices for mobile entertainment. The collaboration of austriamicrosystems high performance chipset and UIEvolution's leading software solutions illustrates the two companies' ongoing strategic relationship dedicated to improving the development of devices for consumers all over the world.

austriamicrosystems is leveraging UIEvolution's technology and expertise to deliver a compelling portable entertainment user experience on audio devices, beyond just listening to music. UIEvolution has a flexible, yet stable platform that will enable austriamicrosystems to scale services and integrate dynamic content into their AS3525 and AS3527 high-performance chipset, providing device manufacturers with a robust platform that shortens the development cycle from concept to delivery.
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"UIEvolution understands the importance of user experience for differentiation," said Roberto Simmarano, Senior Director of Marketing for the Communications Business Unit at austriamicrosystems. "Their technology meets the challenge of creating an application experience that is both technically sound and appealing to user. The integration of the UIEngine[TM] with austriamicrosystems Media Platform will enable device manufacturers to easily develop high performance mobile entertainment products."

"We are excited about collaborating with austriamicrosystems to build innovative multimedia products that allows for broader availability of rich, digital media content," said Stephen Fishburn, Product Unit Manager for Embedded Systems at UIEvolution.

austriamicrosystems versatile and highly integrated ARM9 SoC in the AS3525 and AS3527 delivers over 200MIPS of processing power and allows the implementation of an MP3 player with only 50mW total power consumption. It delivers video playback to LCD and OLED screens at up to 30 frames per second (fps) and up to QCIF+ resolution, while streaming crystal-clear audio via its independent Bluetooth headphone and line outputs. Its system firmware is Microsoft PlaysForSure V2.0 compliant and supports MP3, WMA, AAC and OGG audio, JPEG, GIF and BMP photos as well as MPEG4 and Microsoft WMV Mobile Video contents. The platform has been tested by the National Software Testing Lab (NSTL) to be interoperable with Windows Media Player 11 and with the new Windows Vista Operating System. It also includes innovative technologies of lighting management for the generation of colourful effects synchronized with playback of music in order to increase the listener experience.

UIEvolution's world class UIEngine[TM] technology and development environment supports rapid development and deployment of ground up, custom graphical user interfaces for portable audio devices based on the austriamicrosystems AS3525 and AS3527 chips. Applications developed with UIEvolution's tools, UIE[TM] Designer and UIE[TM] Developer, enable hardware engineers, software engineers and product managers to rapidly design, develop and deploy lightweight, stand alone and networked experiences for consumers. UIEvolution provides a framework for rapid customization out-of-the box that can be quickly optimized for even the most challenging portable audio scenarios.

Demonstrations of the austriamicrosystems' Mobile Entertainment platform will be shown during the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at the company suite in the Venetian Hotel-Resort-Casino.

About UIEvolution

UIEvolution is a global leader in developing and delivering cross-platform software, solutions and services that enable leading companies to deliver a rich consumer experience on any network and any device. UIEvolution is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix, Inc. an industry leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software that includes the world's most popular franchises, FINAL FANTASY[R] and Dragon Quest. Square Enix, Inc. is listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code: 9684).

FINAL FANTASY is a registered trademark of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX is a trademark of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS

OSAKA, Japan -- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MEI (NYSE: MC)), today announced that one of its subsidiaries, Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. (Panasonic Mobile), will phase out overseas 2.5G GSM mobile terminal operations due to severe global competition. By concentrating resources into next-generation mobile terminal technologies, as well as unifying platforms and core technologies for the Japanese and overseas markets, Panasonic Mobile aims to improve development efficiency and product competitiveness. Sales and service activities for the current GSM products will continue.

In line with this decision, the following initiatives will commence from January 2006:

(1) In order to concentrate resources into the development of common core technologies and next-generation mobile terminals, Panasonic Mobile's global R&D structure will be reorganized.

Panasonic Mobile will accelerate the development of a global platform based on the Linux * Operating System (OS) that is now being used in mobile terminals for the Japanese market. Furthermore, the Linux OS-based platform will be integrated into Matsushita's newly developed system LSI, resulting in the establishment of global platforms through integrating core technologies for wireless modem and AV processing. In this way, Panasonic Mobile will further strengthen technological foundations for next-generation mobile terminal development on a global basis, as well as reinforce its mobile terminal business in Japan.

By focusing on the development of a Linux OS-based global platform, Panasonic Mobile will close R&D operations at Panasonic Mobile Communications Development Corporation of U.S.A. (PMCDU) in the United States, which has been developing other OS platforms. In addition, R&D operations at Panasonic Mobile Communications Development of Europe Ltd. (PMCDE) in the United Kingdom will concentrate on the development of 3G and next-generation technologies such as wireless modems and platforms.

(2) With the phasing out of GSM mobile terminal operations, Panasonic Mobile will reorganize its overseas manufacturing facilities.

Panasonic Mobile Communications Corporation of the Philippines (PMCP), where mainly GSM terminals have been produced will be closed. The GSM manufacturing in the production lines at Panasonic Mobile & Automotive Systems Czech, s. r. o. (PMACZ) in the Czech Republic will be discontinued. GSM manufacturing at Panasonic Putian Mobile Communications Beijing Co., Ltd. (PMCB) in China will shift to 3G mobile terminal production.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Pioneer today launched the Pioneer Dome, a component of its 2007 'Best Seat in the House' marketing campaign, designed to attract "millenials" at events such as the DUB, Hot Import Nights, Night Shift and NOPI car shows. At more than 25 events across the country, young people will experience Pioneer's mobile audio products through 360 degrees of product imagery, video, music, demo vehicles and DJ performances in a 50-foot dome-shaped structure. The Pioneer Dome will make its debut at the DUB car show on April 29 in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Instead of a run-of-the-mill display at these highly attended events, we chose to create a 'club-like' atmosphere where kids can go and hang out, kick-back with their friends, listen to music, actually sit in demo cars and even scratch on video DJ turntables. It will be 'the place' to be when they get to these events," said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

The Pioneer Dome will house a suspended DJ booth, two Smart[TM] Car demo vehicles and as many as 200 visitors at one time. Guests will be immersed in a club like music atmosphere and Pioneer mobile product imagery projected on the 360-degree dome ceiling. A dedicated DJ station equipped with Pioneer's industry-leading ProDJ gear will supply the music. Plasma televisions and interactive DVJ equipment add the final touches. Five venues (TBD) will have the opportunity to check out world-renowned video disc jockey, DJ Roonie G. who will be on hand for special performances.

Two Smart Cars filled with Pioneer's top-of-the-line mobile products will be on display for guests to demo Pioneer's sound quality speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers. One of the vehicles is outfitted with a full 6.1 Dolby Digital surround sound system. The second vehicle is prepped with Pioneer's navigation, audio and video system.

VIP Dome

At ten venues (TBD) a second 30-foot VIP Dome will accommodate special guests. The VIP Dome, connected directly to the Pioneer Dome, will have a sitting area, refreshment bar and multiple plasma televisions.

New Amps Debut at 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Infinity today announced the addition of a new lineup of Reference Series amplifiers. The new Reference Series amplifiers continue to feature the unique blend of technology, performance and design associated with Infinity car audio products - but in a smaller package.

Available in March, the new lineup of Infinity Reference amplifiers includes one four-channel full-range model and two mono subwoofer amplifiers, and a five-channel amplifier that's designed to power an entire system. All full-range amplifier channels feature Class AB circuitry for pristine, low-distortion performance. The amplifier channels designed to drive subwoofers pack plenty of high-efficiency Class D power in a small chassis for easy installation.

"At Infinity, we recognize that new cars don't include a lot of extra space for mounting giant amplifiers," said Christopher M. Dragon, director of brand marketing, Infinity Mobile Systems. "These new Reference amplifiers are quite a bit smaller than the models they replace, making installation a far easier process. Of course, they include all the amazing audio performance consumers expect from Infinity."
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All the new Reference Series amplifiers include built-in variable electronic crossovers with 12dB/octave slopes for precise control of the audio signal. The subwoofer amplifiers and the five-channel system amplifier include a remote subwoofer-level control, which allows listeners to adjust bass levels from the listening position to suit their taste. All Reference Series amplifiers include pass-through signal output connectors to make installing multiamplifier systems easy, and an expansion port for connection to future accessories.

The Reference amplifier category features the following all-new models:

* Reference 475: 75W x 4 full-range amplifier (MSRP: $229.95)

* Reference 550: 50W x 4 + 350W x 1 Class AB/Class D hybrid system amplifier (MSRP: $249.95)

* Reference 1300: 300W x 1 Class D mono sub amplifier (MSRP: $229.95)

* Reference 1600: 600W x 1 Class D mono sub amplifier (MSRP: $374.95)

Reference Series amplifiers are designed and rated in accordance with CEA-2006A, the industry-accepted standard for rating amplifier performance.

The Harman Consumer Group (HCG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group's brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.

HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HAR."

The JBL GTi component systems deliver what recording engineers call cut or bite - it's a quality heard at live music events," said Andy Wehmeyer, product marketing manager, JBL Mobile Systems. "In order to reproduce it, speakers must be capable of handling tons of power and of responding instantaneously to high-amplitude transients - without distortion, without hangover and without high-amplitude adjacent-band deviations. A pioneer in the live music arena, JBL has more experience reproducing live music than anyone else, and the result of our extensive engineering efforts is some of the best car audio component systems money can buy."

Advanced motor technology is at the core of the GTi MkII component systems. Both the C508GTi and the C608GTi employ JBL's Symmetrical Field Geometry([TM]) (SFG), which includes a flux-stabilization ring designed to create symmetrical coil inductance while the coil is moving within the motor. This dramatically reduces distortion - even when the speaker is driven to its excursion limit. A two-inch aluminum edge-wound voice coil is used on both the five- and six-inch models. The ribbon-shaped aluminum wire enables JBL to precisely specify the number of coil windings in the magnetic gap, optimizing motor force for high efficiency and reducing distortion. It also provides maximum power handling and minimum coil inductance for extended high-frequency response.

To further reduce distortion, the systems' woofer cones are made of anodized aluminum and feature the company's patent pending Plus One([R]) technology, creating 30 percent more cone area than is found in competing speakers, and delivering higher efficiency and more bass output. Anodized aluminum moves first-modal cone-body breakup to a higher frequency outside the operating band, significantly reducing audible distortion and maximizing midrange clarity.

Both systems include JBL's 08GTi tweeter, and an outboard crossover network with a 24dB/octave Linquitz-Riley acoustic alignment. Air-core inductors are used to reduce magnetic saturation, and high-power and polypropylene capacitors ensure near-ideal characteristics with low series resistance (ESR).

The C508GTiMkII component system (MSRP: $479.00) and the C608GTiMkII component system (MSRP: $499.00) are now available at authorized JBL car audio dealers.

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The Harman Consumer Systems Group (HCSG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multi-media systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group's brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.

HCSG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HAR