Sigma
Designs a leader in digital media processing for consumer appliances, today
announced that Buffalo Inc., a leading supplier of networked consumer appliances
and computer peripherals, began shipments of its networked DVD media player
called the LinkTheater. Based on Sigma's EM8620L media processor, this new
product features support for Windows Media(R) Video 9 (WMV9) format as well as
wireless networking.
The LinkTheater is a convenient multi-function
product, offering all the features of an enhanced DVD player, as well as the
ability to network with two or more PC networks through Buffalo's LinkStation.
The LinkTheater also includes a USB 2.0 port allowing consumers to simply
connect their digital cameras, USB Flash Media, PortableHDD etc. to their TVs.
Using its enhanced DVD player functions, it also offers DVD video, music CD,
DVD+/-R/RW or CD-R/RW support. In addition the LinkTheater is compatible with
WMV9 and HD, Xvid and DivX(R).
Premium features include:
- Playback of WMV9 HD file formats
- Wireless networking using 54-Mbps wireless-LAN Ethernet (PC-P3LWG/DVD
Only) - USB2.0 connector that supports content playback from USB hard drives or
memories
With PCs becoming the media center for home entertainment, consumers have
more flexibility in storing and collecting a myriad of content. As a result,
networked DVD player functionality allows consumers to remotely access all the
digital music, photos and video stored on their PC, in addition to normal DVD
playback. Sigma media processors are designed to address this need, decoding
major digital media formats and facilitating control of an embedded network
device.
"This announcement from Buffalo reflects the first wave of WMV9 enabled DVD
players as well as a continuation of the trend toward home entertainment
networks and streaming audio/video," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic
marketing, Sigma Designs. "Consumers will have a broad selection of choices as
they seek to unify their entertainment libraries from all over the home into one
convenient viewing location."
Availability
The LinkTheater (PC-P3LAN/DVD) is available now at retail stores throughout
Japan and retails for around JPY27,400. The LinkTheater (PC-P3LWG/DVD) will be
available at retail stores in Japan starting in November and will retail for
around JPY31,700.
About the EM8620L Media Processor
The EM8620L media processor from Sigma Designs provides a complete
single-chip solution for next generation IP video and connected media players,
featuring high definition Windows Media Video 9 support. The EM8620L offers a
wide range of media processing functions for video decoding, audio decoding, and
graphics processing based on REALmagic(R) HD technology, for the highest quality
image possible on high definition displays. For single-chip systems, it features
an on-chip RISC processor, PCI-bus, IDE controller and additional peripheral
ports for supporting other subsystems.
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 Buffalo Inc.
Buffalo, Inc. (part of the Melco Group holdings) provides an expanding range
of technology solutions for high-speed broadband applications as well as
computer peripherals, memory, and storage drives. The company is currently
investing in the development of world-class solutions for networked consumer
appliances, including networked DVD players, digital media adapters, and
broadband IPTV solutions. Among these developments, the company has pioneered
products for worldwide use with strengthened security functions that are vital
for wireless LANs, along with high-speed products that will be mainstream in the
near future. Buffalo, Inc. is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan and employs nearly
400 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit the company's
website at www.melcoinc.com.
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(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.
Source: Businesswirte
