Sigma Designs,
a leader in digital media processing for consumer appliances, today announced
that Sigma's EM8550 digital media processor will power I-O Data Device, Inc.'s
new AveL LinkPlayer network media player. I-O Data is a leading Japanese
manufacturer and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface
products. Sigma's EM8550, based on its award-winning REALmagic(TM) technology,
enables cost-effective solutions for consumer appliances, such as networked DVD
players/recorders, digital media adapters and portable media players.
The I-O Data network media player is another
example of the emerging trend towards home entertainment networks using digital
media devices. This new class of device is beginning to proliferate in worldwide
markets enabling consumers full access to their media from any location in the
home. The I-O Data AveL LinkPlayer network media player connects to a home PC
network, supports video and audio playback, accesses picture files from each PC
connected to the network and displays the information to any TV, plasma display,
LCD monitor and any other monitors on the home network.
"I-O Data's history is founded on technology
strength and leadership in the markets it pursues," said Moto Toshinari,
president and CEO, I-O Data Device USA, Inc. "Our new venture with our network
media player required a partner that would match our high values and solid
reputation. Sigma's solutions, like the EM8550 which we used, exceeded
expectations by providing optimal value for customers, integrated within our
player."
The AveL LinkPlayer network media player includes a
universal remote control. The remote control allows consumers to choose
"favorite" content, control "playback," "stop," "forward," "reverse," etc. Users
can view a variety of content gathered from various parts of the home network,
in the living room or elsewhere. The player also has a DVD drive that can
playback DVDs, CDs, as well as support recorded data on DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW and
CD-R/RW formats.
"A burgeoning trend in the market is that of a home
network set-up for consumers to readily access any media within their home
entertainment library," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing at
Sigma Designs. "I-O Data's new AveL LinkPlayer is a tangible continuation of
this trend. Our customers are on the leading edge of technology and by selecting
Sigma's solutions, they provide continuing evidence that we are the company
providing real, advanced technologies to meet the evolving demand for the
industry and its consumers."
Unique features offered by the EM8550 include
analog YPbPr/RGB video outputs with optional scaling up to HDTV resolution,
video over IP, support for DVI/HDCP or LCD displays and support for external
MPEG encoder and networking chips. A wide variety of media types are supported,
accessible through a powerful navigation engine.
Availability
The I-O Data AveL LinkPlayer will be available in
Japan in December 2003. The complete system will retail around JPY29,800.
About I-O Data Device, Inc.
I-O Data Device, Inc. is a top-tier manufacturer
and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface products to the
global consumer and OEM markets. Founded in 1976 by Mr. Akio Hosono, I-O Data
has receivetrademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective.
Source: Yahoo! Finance
