Sigma MPEG Decoder Chips Featured in Intel Media Center Reference Design; New Intel Celeron-Based Platform Demonstrated at NCTA Cable 2002

Business Wire,  May 6, 2002  

Tags: chip, Intel Corp., Media Center PC

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Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Cable 2002

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2002

Sigma Designs(R) (Nasdaq:SIGM), a recognized leader in digital video decoder solutions, will demonstrate its MPEG decoders on the new Intel(R) Media Center Reference Design at National Cable and Telecommunications Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, May 6, 2002. This reference design is intended to help hardware and software developers accelerate the development and production of powerful, scalable, interactive consumer products that integrate the capabilities of a number of previously discrete devices. Sigma provided its EM8475 MPEG decoder silicon and streaming video software on top of the reference design. Additionally, Sigma used its professional services group to design and develop the system hardware.

The Intel Media Center Reference Design is based on the Intel(R) Celeron(R) processor, Sigma's EM8475 MPEG-1-2-4 decoder chip, and additional components from Maxtor, and Focus Enhancements. The reference design includes hardware and software to support multiple audio and video applications, content and back-end systems. Products based on the design will provide broadband Internet access, DVD playback, personal video recording, interactive gaming, TV reception, MP3 audio, content storage, video on demand and home networking in a single device. Complementing the reference design hardware configuration is a complete middleware offering from Tuxia based on the Linux operating system.

"The reference design uses the Intel Celeron processor to handle multiple media types, broadband communications, and a growing range of interactive software required for the next generation of interactive digital convergence devices," said Bob Ferrar, general manager of Intel's Cable and Video Division. "Sigma has been providing core expertise for the video and audio rendering for this reference design."

Representing the next level for home entertainment, the reference design is aimed at providing a dependable, scalable solution for the home media center. As most households have more than one TV, by adding simple, low-cost video endpoints to service additional televisions, this architecture is a more economical overall solution. In addition, by deploying systems based on the reference design, network operators can create a path to new revenue streams with the delivery of high value applications such as VOD, PVR and home-networked Internet access.

"Working with Intel on this reference design provides us an excellent opportunity to develop a high-level consumer offering," stated Ken Lowe, vice president of business development, Sigma Designs. "We believe strongly in the future of the media gateway concept. The scalable performance of the Intel Celeron processor opens up a roadmap that cannot be achieved with today's architectures."

Working demonstrations of the Intel Media Center Reference Design are available during the NCTA Cable 2002 show at the Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place (Suite 2520) during normal show hours. Schematics for the Intel Media Center Reference Design will be available for download in late May.

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/.

Note to Editors: REALmagic(R) is a registered trademark of Sigma Designs, Inc. Other product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Intel and Celeron are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

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